Be careful if you find yourself exposed to rodents in the wild. Health officials have confirmed one death in west central Saskatchewan from complications resulting from hantavirus.
The deceased person was an adult male in the Heartland Health Region. A second death in the same health region is being investigated to determine if it was also caused by hantavirus. Officials do not believe the cases are connected. No other identifying details are being released.
Hantavirus infection is a rare but potentially fatal illness, typically associated with exposure to contaminated airborne particles from the droppings, urine, and saliva of infected rodents, like deer mice. Exposure can happen when sweeping or vacuuming out buildings (such as cottages and sheds) that were infested by rodents. It can also be contracted by rodent bite, if the skin is broken.
"Symptoms of hantavirus include fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea, and vomiting," Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab details. "If a person develops a fever, coughing and shortness of breath within one to six weeks of exposure to mouse-infested areas, they need to seek immediate medical attention."
In rare cases, symptoms may get worse and lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a rare but often fatal illness. HPS can progress rapidly into serious lung complications.
"The people who are most often exposed are farmers, grain handlers, cottagers, campers and home owners," Ministry of Health Zoonotic Diseases Consultant Phil Curry says. "Everyone should take precautions when cleaning rodent-infested areas to prevent direct contact and inhalation of air particles that may be contaminated."
Exposure to hantavirus can be reduced by:
Ventilating the building by opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning, using wet mopping methods and wearing gloves;
Blocking openings that might allow rodents to enter a building;
Storing human and animal food, water and garbage in containers with tightly-fitted lids;
Keeping yards clean, and storing woodpiles above the ground and away from the home;
Being aware of animal droppings and nesting materials when cleaning a home or community and taking appropriate precautions to avoid exposure; and
Dampening areas contaminated with rodent droppings with bleach disinfectant and removing droppings with a damp mop or cloth to reduce the chance the virus may become airborne. Avoid using dry cleaning methods such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming or air-hosing.
Including the most recent confirmed case this year, there have been 24 cases of hantavirus and seven deaths reported in Saskatchewan since 1994.
For more information about hantavirus and how to prevent infection, visit the Ministry of Health's website at www.health.gov.sk.ca/hantavirus and HealthLine Online at www.health.gov.sk.ca/healthline-online.
Guidelines for workplaces with heavy infestations are available at www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/hantavirus-disease-guidelines-protecting-workers-public.
