FRANCAIS

May 16, 2002

Once winter ends, many Manitobans begin spring cleaning which can include everything from airing out basements, attics, lofts and sheds to getting cottages ready for the summer and cleaning up yards and farmsteads. Sheltered sites that remainundisturbed through the winter may become home to mice. Manitobans are reminded to take precautions to protect themselves from exposure to deer mice and their droppings, which may contain the virus responsible for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.

When entering an area where mouse droppings are likely:

• Air out the area as much as possible. Doors and windows should be opened and the building should be aired out for about 30 minutes before and after disinfecting.
• Wear plastic or rubber gloves as well as full-length clothing during clean up. Boots that can be washed are the preferred foot covering.
• If dust can not be avoided in an area that has to be cleaned, respirator equipment with N-100 or P-100 filters should be used as a minimum. Goggles or more advanced respiratory equipment may be necessary for very dusty areas. For further information, check with safety supply stores or Workplace Safety and Health, Manitoba Labour.
• Spray dead rodents, rodent nests, droppings, foods or other items that have been tainted by rodents with a bleach disinfectant (one part household bleach plus nine parts water), wait 10 minutes, then place material into a plastic bag, seal bag and place in another plastic bag.
• Dampen areas contaminated with rodent droppings with bleach disinfectant. Carpets can be cleaned with water, detergent and a commercial disinfectant, or with commercial grade steam cleaning or shampooing. Spray dirt floors with a bleach disinfectant.
• Remove droppings with a damp mop or cloth. NEVER REMOVE DROPPINGS BY SWEEPING OR VACUUMING.
• Launder potentially contaminated bedding or clothing in hot water and detergent; machine dry laundry on a high setting or place in the sun to air dry.
• Wash gloves before taking them off, then wash hands and face. Use gloves to handle any clothing worn until they can be washed as above.

Further information on Hantavirus is available from the Manitoba Health Hantavirus fact sheet available at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/fs/Hantavirusfs.pdf, your local public health office, Workplace Safety and Health at 204-945-6848 or Health Links at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257.

-30-