A confirmed Hantavirus case has prompted Alberta Health Services (AHS) to urge all Albertans to take simple precautions to protect themselves against the potentially deadly virus.
Hantavirus Pulmanary Syndrome (HPS) is a respiratory disease in humans which is caused from exposure to rodents that carry the virus.
“Because humans can be exposed to Hantavirus when the urine or feces of an infected rodent – such as a mouse – becomes airborne, anyone who disturbs areas of mice or mice droppings can be at risk,” said Dr. Ifeoma Achebe, medical officer of health – central zone, in a health advisory issued on Aug. 27.
The infected person is from a rural community in central Alberta, however, health officials cannot comment on the specific location or how the virus was contracted to protect the patient’s confidentiality. No cases have been reported in Rocky View County.
“We’re making all these efforts to publicize the Hantavirus because a lot of people aren’t aware of the fact that rodents such as mice, can carry this deadly virus. There needs to be more awareness,” said Achebe.
AHS offered tips for people to safely clean mouse droppings, nests or dead mice:
•Open doors and windows for ventilation, and keep out of the area for at least 30 minutes before beginning clean up.
•Wear rubber gloves, thoroughly soak droppings, nests and dead mice with a bleach/water solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) or a household disinfectant.
•Let the bleach water solution sit for five minutes.
•Never disturb any droppings, nests or dead mice prior to soaking them with the bleach solution.
•Mop-up the bleach-soaked droppings, nests or dead mice, or pick them up with paper towels or a plastic bag.
•Seal the bag and put in a garbage container with a tight fitting lid.
•Wash your gloves before removing, then wash your hands.
•Never vacuum or sweep droppings, nests or dead mice. This can create dust that can be inhaled, which may contain Hantavirus.
Contracting the Hantavirus infection is rare, however, it can be fatal because there is no cure, said Achebe.
Symptoms generally show up one or two weeks after exposure, but can appear up to five weeks after exposure. Resembling the flu, symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, abdominal problems and severe breathing problems.
“When people are cleaning out their sheds or trucks or attics in their home that could possibly be contaminated by mice, they need to do so in the proper way to protect themselves and reduce the chance of illness,” said Achebe.
For more information about dealing with mouse infestations in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, contact Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465
