By Tiffany Cassidy

Saskatchewan residents advised to guard themselves from Hantavirus

May 23, 2012 | 11:57 AM

Saskatchewan residents are at risk of Hantavirus this time of year. Breathing in particles of rodent droppings, urine, and saliva is what causes the rare but potentially fatal illness.

People in Sask. are most often exposed when they disturb droppings during cleaning. Sweeping in areas where there are droppings can cause people to inhale the airborne virus.

Health experts say people can greatly reduce their risk by taking precautions.

“There’s lots of simple things that can be done that make sense,” said Dr. Saqib Shahab, Sask. Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer.

“If you’re doing any spring cleaning, open the doors and windows, let the room ventilate for half an hour before going in.”

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People can remove rodent droppings by dampening them with bleach and picking them up with a damp cloth.

Most people get the illness in the spring and summer, but Shahab said it’s important that people rodent-proof their houses as prevention. Food should be put in tightly sealed containers. Any openings large enough for rodents should be sealed off.

The most common side effects are nausea, muscle aches, headaches, and vomiting. Shahab said anyone who experiences fever, coughing, and shortness of breath within one to six weeks of exposure should see a doctor.

In 2011 four cases of Hantavirus were reported in Sask. Twenty-three have been reported since 1994.

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