Mouse Droppings May Be A Warning Sign Of Potential Hantavirus Carriers

(I-Newswire) June 16, 2010 - A Weld County resident died last month of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease spread by mice. The Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed this with a blood test. This is the second death in Weld County. “We are urging Weld County residents to be cautious and avoid exposure to Hantavirus while cleaning in and around homes, buildings, sheds, barns or any structure that is infested with mice," said Sara Evans, Environmental Health Manager at the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. People can become infected if they inhale dust and dirt that’s contaminated with mice urine and/or feces. Evans urges people to be careful around evidence of mouse droppings. A human case of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome often occurs when there is a rapid increase in the number of mice in or around a home or structure.

Take these precautions when cleaning out buildings and areas that have mouse droppings:

1.) Use a rodent control device before cleaning the area. The new electronic mouse traps offer a quick death and mess-free clean-up. Mice are lured inside with bait, and killed instantly with an electric shock. After the mouse is dead, the body is emptied into a chamber where it is stored for disposal. The best models can store up to 10 bodies before needing to be emptied. Plus, the shocking mechanism is deactivated when the trap is opened, making it safe to use. Other traps are not as effective.
2.) 60 minutes before cleaning, ventilate the area properly by opening doors and windows.
3.) Don’t stir up dust. Try spraying the area with a mixture of water and bleach.
4.) Keep your garbage in sealed containers.
5.) Store food in metal canisters, glass jars, and airtight containers, especially animal food and birdseed.
6.) Reduce the areas in your yard where mice like to nest and hide, such as construction materials, wood piles and abandoned cars.

Symptoms of Hantavirus include fever, headache and muscle pain, severe abdominal, joint and lower back pain, nausea and vomiting. Within 1-5 days, a cough and shortness of breath usually develop. Breathing difficulty and respiratory failure can progress quickly. If Hantavirus is suspect, seek medical attention immediately. “Because there is no effective treatment for the disease,” Evans emphasized, “prevention is the key to avoiding Hantavirus.” Contact the CO-HELP hotline at 1-877-462-2911 for more information or questions about Hantavirus.

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Steve Kander