As spring cleaning begins in Saskatchewan, health officials are reminding residents to be aware of the risks of hantavirus. This disease is caused by breathing in airborne particles contaminated with the droppings, urine, and saliva of infected deer mice. The disease can cause a rare, but potentially fatal, lung condition known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea, and vomiting, and usually develop within one to six weeks after exposure.
To prevent infection, health officials are recommending that people take precautionary measures while cleaning buildings and vehicles. This includes ventilating the area by opening doors and windows and then leaving for at least 30 minutes before cleaning, using wet mopping methods instead of dry cleaning methods like dusting or vacuuming, wearing rubber or plastic gloves, goggles, and a well-fitting N-95 type filter mask when cleaning areas contaminated with droppings, and dampening areas contaminated with rodent droppings with bleach disinfectant.
Prevention measures include blocking openings that might allow rodents to enter a building, storing human and animal food, water, and garbage in pest-proof/resistant containers with tightly-fitted lids, and moving woodpiles or other potential hiding places for mice away from your home.
Saskatchewan has seen 37 cases of hantavirus between 1994 and 2022, with 13 of those cases resulting in fatalities. It is important for residents to take these precautions seriously to protect themselves and their families during spring cleaning. If you develop a cough, fever, and shortness of breath after exposure, seek medical attention immediately.