Spring brings increased exposure risk to Hantavirus 

With warmer weather comes more animal activity as the animal kingdom shakes off its winter coat for springtime activity. And with this activity comes the increased possibility of humans becoming exposed to Hantavirus. Hantavirus is a deadly disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings or saliva. People can contract the disease when they breathe in the virus. The deer mouse is the main culprit that carries the virus for in New Mexico. New Mexico leads all states in Hantavirus cases.

"The best defense against Hantavirus is to avoid disturbing areas of rodent infestation, including nests and droppings," said Dr. Paul Ettestad, the New Mexico Department of Public Health. For a Hantavirus to cause HPS (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome), the virus must travel from the rodents that carry it to a person. A common way this happens is when a person breathes in the Hantavirus from the air. 

Exposure can come when you decide to clean up areas around your home or business that might have attracted deer mice over the winter. As you are cleaning by moving boxes and debris, the mice hear you coming and scurry away, leaving a trail of fresh urine. You may find mouse droppings and some nesting material used by the mice so you get a broom and sweep up the mess. As you move around and sweep, tiny particles of fresh urine, droppings and saliva, with the virus in them, get kicked up into the air. This is called aerosolization. It is these tiny particles that you breathe in that cause you to become sick with HPS. 

Because the virus is spread when virus-containing articles are stirred up into the air, an essential HPS prevention tactic in areas showing signs of rodents is to avoid actions that raise dust and to carefully wet the area down with disinfectant (Lysol or 10% bleach mixture). The less chance the virus has to get into the air, the less chance it will be breathed in.

Early symptoms of Hantavirus are fever and muscle aches, possibly with chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cough. These symptoms develop within one to six weeks after rodent exposure. Although there is no specific treatment for Hantavirus, chances for recovery are better if medical attention is sought early.

To protect yourself, avoid contact with mice and other rodents. Other important steps are:
· Air out closed up buildings before entering.  Seal up homes so mice can't enter. Deer mice can squeeze through holes as small as a shirt button!   Trap mice until they are all gone.
· Clean up nests and droppings using a disinfectant, and rubber gloves.  Use a protective mask to minimize inhalation.

For more information about Hantavirus, call 800-879-3421 or check out these websites, www.nmhealth.org.or www.cdc.gov