As the weather gets warmer and people begin spring cleaning in sheds, barns, and cabins that have been closed for months, it is important to know about the risk of hantavirus. Hantavirus is a serious virus that can make people very sick. It spreads to humans mostly through contact with infected rodents (mice) or their droppings. People can get sick by
breathing in air that has tiny particles from the droppings of deer mice. These mice often nest in closed spaces during the winter. Sheds, cabins, and camp trailers can sometimes have deer mice and the hantavirus they carry.
Symptoms of hantavirus infection may include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, and trouble breathing. In serious cases, it can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe lung illness that can be life-threatening.
How to Clean Areas with Rodent Nests or Droppings If you find rodent nests or droppings, follow these steps to clean the area safely:
• Air out the area for a couple of hours before cleaning.
• Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning. Do not sweep or vacuum the area,
because this will stir up contaminated dropping into the air.
• Spray droppings or nests until they are wet using a 10% bleach solution (1 cup
bleach in 1 gallon of water).
• Use paper towels to wipe up the droppings. Put the used towels in a garbage bag
and tie it shut before throwing it away.
For more information regarding Hantavirus click on CDPH Hantavirus website.
With Warm Weather Comes Risk of Hantavirus
