Health officials give tips for avoiding hantavirus this spring

Spring is in the air, and that means hantavirus can be, too.

“Although hantavirus infection can occur during any month, the risk of exposure is increased in the spring and summer as people clean cabins and sheds and spend more time outside in the vicinity of rodents,” said Rachel Hinnenkamp, an epidemiologist with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, in an April 4 news release.

People can become infected with hantavirus when saliva, urine or droppings from an infected deer mouse are stirred up and inhaled, according to the news release.

“It is important to avoid activities that raise dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming, if there are signs of rodents in the area,” the news release states.

Montana has one of the highest rates of hantavirus infection in the United States, with 43 cases reported since it was first recognized in 1993.

“Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches with progression to coughing and extreme shortness of breath,” the news release states. “Hantavirus infection can cause severe illness; about 25 percent of Montana’s cases have resulted in death. Supportive medical care is essential to survival and, if diagnosed early, specific antiviral medications may help with recovery.”

People can help protect against hantavirus by sealing up holes in homes and workplaces to prevent rodents from entering; by using mouse traps indoors; by routinely trimming grass and shrubs near homes; and by moving woodpiles at least 100 feet from home and raising them at least one foot off the ground, the news release states.

Other precautions include:

•Avoid sweeping or vacuuming areas with rodent droppings and urine, as the action can stir up dust and aerosolize the droppings.

•If cleaning an area such as a cabin, camper or outbuilding, open windows and doors and air out the space for 30 minutes prior to cleaning.

•Wear rubber or plastic gloves.

•Thoroughly spray or soak the area with a disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water to reduce dust. Let soak for 5 minutes.

•Wipe up the droppings with a sponge or paper towel, and discard after use.

•Clean and disinfect the entire area with disinfectant or bleach solution.

•When cleanup is complete, remove and discard gloves and wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

For more information, visit dphhs.mt.gov.