With many residents set to begin spring cleanup, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is reminding everyone to use precaution against Hantavirus.
A Hantavirus infection is caused by breathing in contaminated airborne particles from droppings, urine or saliva of infected deer mice.
It could cause a potentially fatal lung disease known as pulmonary syndrome.
When cleaning rodent-infested areas, the SHA recommends avoiding activities that raise dust and prevent direct contact and breathing in air particles that may be contaminated.
Farmers, grain handlers, cottagers and homeowners are the most likely to be exposed to the virus.
The following precautions should be taken when cleaning outside buildings such as sheds, and unoccupied dwellings such as cabins where evidence of rodent infestation is found:
- ventilate the building by opening doors and windows, and then leave the area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning;
- avoid using dry cleaning methods such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming or air-hosing;
- use wet mopping methods and wear rubber or plastic gloves;
- wear goggles and a well-fitting N-95 type filter mask, an industrial N95 mask is recommended, when cleaning areas contaminated by mouse droppings;
- dampen areas contaminated with rodent droppings with bleach disinfectant and remove droppings with a damp mop or cloth;
- steam clean, shampoo or spray upholstered furniture with a detergent, disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water; and
- wash exposed clothes and bedding with detergent in hot water.
Throughout the year, you can minimize the presence of all rodents by: - reducing the availability of food sources or nesting materials;
- by preventing rodents from entering the home and other buildings
- storing human and animal food, water and garbage in pest-resistant containers with tightly fitted lids; and
- move woodpiles or other potential hiding places for mice away from your home.
Hantavirus infections are rare but serious. Between 1994 and 2024, 38 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome were reported in Saskatchewan; 13 of those cases were fatal. For more information on hantavirus, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/diseases-and-conditions/hantavirusOpens in new window and HealthLine Online at www.healthlineonline.caOpens in new window. For advice on symptoms or when to seek care, call HealthLine 811.