F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- First recognized in 1993, Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has since been identified throughout the United States.
HPS is a disease humans can contract when in contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings.
Rodent control in and around the home remains the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus infection. Although rare, the disease can be fatal. Recently, there were two deaths caused by this rodent-borne disease in Wyoming. Therefore, it is important to know the steps for protection.
Transmission
Infected rodents, primarily the deer mouse, shed the virus through urine, droppings, and saliva. HPS is transmitted to humans through a process called aerosolization, which occurs when dried materials contaminated by rodent excreta or saliva are disturbed.
Humans become infected by breathing in these infectious aerosols or when these materials are directly introduced into broken skin, the nose or the mouth. If a rodent with the virus bites someone, the virus may be spread to that person, but this type of transmission is rare.
HPS in the United States cannot be transmitted from one person to another or from rodents purchased in a pet store.
Risk
Anything that puts one in contact with fresh rodent urine, droppings, saliva or nesting materials is a risk factor for infection.
The time the hantaviruses can remain infectious in the environment depends on environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, whether the virus is indoors or outdoors or exposed to the sun, and even the rodent's diet (which would affect the chemistry of its urine.)
Exposure to sunlight will decrease the time of infectivity, but freezing temperatures will increase the time that the virus remains infective.
Prevention
Rodent control in and around the home remains the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus infection. Seal up rodent entry holes or gaps with steel wool, lath metal or caulk. Trap rats and mice by using an appropriate snap trap. Clean up rodent food sources and nesting sites, and take precautions when cleaning rodent-infested areas:
Put on rubber, latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves.
Vacuums are not recommended since they blow air around and may create aerosols.
Thoroughly wet contaminated areas with a bleach solution or household disinfectant.
Once everything is wet, take up contaminated materials with damp towel and then mop or sponge the area with bleach solution or household disinfectant.
Spray dead rodents with disinfectant and then double-bag along with all cleaning materials. Bury, burn, or throw out rodent in appropriate waste disposal system.
Disinfect gloves with disinfectant or soap and water before taking them off.
After taking off the clean gloves, thoroughly wash hands with soap and water, or use a waterless alcohol-based hand rub when soap is not available.
If someone has been exposed to rodents or rodent infestations and have symptoms of fever, deep muscle aches, and severe shortness of breath, see a doctor immediately.
Inform the doctor of possible rodent exposure so that they are alerted to the possibility of rodent-borne diseases, such as HPS.
For more information call the Public Health office at 773-3040.