FRANCAIS

May 12, 2005

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious disease which can be spread by deer mice. Since it was first identified in North America in 1993, there have been 57 reported cases of HPS in Canada. In Manitoba, there have been two cases, both fatal, reported in 1999 and 2000.

Although the risk of getting a hantavirus infection in Manitoba is very low, cleaning areas where mice may have frequented can expose people to the virus. This bulletin from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is a regular annual reminder of precautions that can be taken.

Deer mice are found throughout Manitoba. Basements, attics, lofts, sheds, cottages, yards, farmsteads and other places may contain mice droppings. Most hantavirus infections have resulted from inhalation of the virus by disturbing mice droppings in enclosed spaces or in other mouse habitats. Due to the difficulty in identifying rodents and the source of rodent droppings, precautions with all mouse nests and droppings should be considered.

If there is concern about exposure to mice droppings, the following precautions can be taken:

• Air out the area as much as possible. Doors and windows should be opened and buildings should be aired out for about 30 minutes before and after cleaning and disinfecting.

• Wear plastic or rubber gloves as well as full-length clothing during cleanup. Boots that can be washed are the preferred foot covering.

• If dust cannot be avoided in an area that has to be cleaned, respirator equipment with N-100 or P-100 filters should be used. Goggles or more advanced respiratory equipment may be necessary for very dusty areas or if there is evidence of a heavy mouse infestation. For further information, check with safety supply stores or Workplace Safety and Health, Manitoba Labour and Immigration.

• 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 and deposit in the garbage.

• 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. Sweeping or vacuuming is not recommended.

• Launder potentially contaminated bedding or clothing in hot water and detergent. Dry laundry by machine on a high setting or place in the sun to air dry.

• Wash gloves before taking them off, then wash hands. Wear gloves to handle any exposed clothing until it can be washed as above.

Symptoms may develop between three days and six weeks after exposure. Typical symptoms are flu-like and can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, abdominal pain and shortness of breath. Death can occur.

Anyone who develops severe flu-like symptoms after exposure to an area contaminated by mice should see a doctor.

Further information on hantavirus, including strategies to prevent rodent infestations, is available from the Manitoba Health hantavirus fact sheet available at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/fs/Hantavirusfs.pdf, the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps/index.htm, local public health offices, Workplace Safety and Health at 204-945-6848, or Health Links/Info Santé at 788-8200 or toll free at 1-888-315-9257.

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