Snap To It!  Hantavirus Prevention Tips

People who are cleaning cabins or other buildings that were closed for the winter should protect themselves against hantavirus, a disease transmitted by infected mice. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a viral infection that causes severe lung disease. The rodent vector is the deer mouse, and the virus is shed in the stool, urine and saliva of infected rodents. Infection usually results from inhalation of the virus when droppings and urine are disturbed. People infected with the virus develop a rapidly progressing illness.

Eleven cases of HPS have been reported to the NDDoH since 1993; the most recent was reported in 2009. Six of the cases were fatal, with the most recent being in 2008. Early symptoms are "flu-like," with fever, headache, muscle ache and malaise. Vomiting and diarrhea also have been reported. Pulmonary signs and symptoms develop quickly, with shortness of breath and low blood-oxygen levels.

Treatment is supportive with careful attention to fluids, electrolytes and blood pressure management. Additional information regarding the clinical management of HPS can be found at www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/technical/hps/treatment.html.

The Department of Health offers the following tips for preventing rodent infestation from occurring and for properly disinfecting areas contaminated by rodents:

• For severe or persistent infestations, contact a pest-control professional for rodent eradication or a building contractor for rodent exclusion (rodent proofing).

• Seal all entry holes through which a rodent can enter.

• Clean clutter and tall grass away from buildings to eliminate sources of nesting materials.

• Do not sweep or vacuum areas with evidence of rodent infestation, such as nests or fecal droppings. This action may stir up and aerosolize the viral particles. Wear rubber, latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves.

• Thoroughly wet contaminated area with a disinfectant or bleach solution before wiping up with a paper towel. Soiled cleaning materials may be double bagged and discarded in the trash or disinfected before reuse.

For more information about HPS, please call the NDDoH at 701.328.2378 or 800.472.2180 or visit www.ndhealth.gov/disease.

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