Rodents aren’t the most loved species on the planet and for good reason. 8 out of 13 rodents collected from Younglove Preserve in San Timoteo Canyon, California, have been tested positive for a virus called Hantavirus.

What Is Hantavirus?

First and foremost, it is important to know the important questions such as; what is the Hantavirus and how can it be contracted? The Hantavirus is a virus of a genus carried by rodents causing febrile hemorrhagic, in other words it is diverse group of virus diseases that are usually transmitted by arthropods or rodents. Early symptoms of the virus include fatigue, fever, dizziness, chills, nausea and vomiting. I know what you’re thinking if you’re the type of person who self-diagnoses themselves via Google and you’re right, that can be about every type of virus out there. Good news is that they have not found a human case of the virus as of yet.

This has caused a panic among a small town in California called Riverside County. Its’ residents have been warned by health officials that they should be careful when dealing with situations that would allow them to come in contact with rodent droppings.

Protection Against Hantavirus

According to the Riverside County health officials, people should take these precautions if they are ever to come in contact with rodent droppings:

    • Ventilate affected areas for several hours before cleanup by opening doors and windows.
    • Use rubber gloves.
    • Apply a 10% solution of bleach and water, or household disinfectant to contaminated surfaces and allow at least 15 minutes contact time before removal.
    • Clean the affected area with a sponge or mop. DO NOT SWEEP OR VACUUM.
    • Double-bag any dead rodents and clean-up materials (newspaper, paper towels, etc.) securely in plastic bags and seal.
    • Before removing gloves, wash gloved hands in disinfectant or with soap and water.
    • Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after removing gloves. Dispose of gloves and cleanup materials with other household waste.

At least 10% of the mice tested for the virus end up with positive results. We would also like to make our readers aware that this virus can be transmitted by just inhale the smell of rodent droppings.

Even though this is not something that has become an urgent issue in the Ontario and surrounding areas, it is best to practice these precautions while we are ahead. If you have a problem with rodents, call Action Pest Control – we have 30 years of experience to back you up!

 

SOURCE: The Riverside County Department of Environmental Health