HANTAVIRUS ILLNESS AND HOW TO AVOID IT – COMMON QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS

Q: What are Hantaviruses?
A: Hantaviruses are a family of four viruses previously identified in rodents. These viruses have caused serious health problems in other parts of the world (mainly the Far East and Scandinavia). The virus responsible for the recent U.S. deaths is a fifth Hantavirus strain that is apparently unique to North America. This new strain attacks the lungs, instead of the kidneys as the other strains, resulting in the disease termed Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Q: How is this virus transmitted?
A: The virus is believed to be principally carried by a common rodent, the deer mouse. This mouse is found throughout North America and in every California county. Infected rodents shed live virus in saliva, feces, and urine. Humans are infected when they encounter and inhale microscopic particles that contain dried rodent urine or feces. In other parts of the world, rodent bites have caused human infection.

Q: How dangerous is this virus?
A: " Extreme Biohazard Level-4." Infectious agents include Ebola, Lassa and Hantavirus. Highly virulent with no known cures or vaccines. Hantavirus is not predominant in our area, but does exist here. More than half of those known to be infected by the virus have died. While dangerous to individuals, the means of transmission is so unusual that most people are very unlikely to encounter the virus.

Q: Can people infect each other?
A: There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of Hantaviruses. There is no research that shows the virus will start an epidemic. No health care workers have been infected while caring for infected patients.

Q: How long does it take to develop symptoms after exposure?
A: Typically one to two weeks, but can range from a few days to six weeks.

Q: What are ARDS symptoms?
A: Typical cases of ARDS initially seem similar to the flu: high fever, muscle aches, cough, and headache. After several days, respiratory problems worsen rapidly. The lungs fill with fluid and victims may die of respiratory failure.

Q: Is there any treatment?
A: At the moment, it appears there is no generally effective treatment for this Hantavirus. Physicians have been administering ribavirin, an antiviral drug, experimentally to suspected victims. Too few people have been treated to draw any conclusions about its effectiveness. If you're exposed to rodent infestation and develop flu-like symptoms, go immediately to your doctor or hospital, and tell them that you have been exposed to rodent infestation. Ask them to check you for Hantavirus. This information is not to alarm you, but to educate those that have been exposed to rodents.

Q: Is Hantavirus disease (ARDS) present in California?
A: Yes. Six Californians have died between 1984 and 1995 from ARDS. All of these people had close contact with rodents, including deer mice in California.

Q: Are California deer mice and other rodents infected with Hantavirus?
A: Yes. Twenty counties have records of Sin Nombre Virus (SNV) positive deer mice; 12.2 percent seropositive statewide. Harvest mice and meadow mice have been found positive for related Hantaviruses that have not been associated with human disease.

Q: Do rodents in urban areas carry the Hantavirus?
A: Again, very little is known about the extent and distribution of the virus at this time. However, all known cases of human Hantavirus infection have been acquired in rural locations.

Q: Are deer mice the only animals that carry the disease, and how do I identify deer mice from other mice?
A: Deer mice are the most abundant, widely distributed, and probably the most common carrier of the virus. It is difficult to properly identify mice. Call Hot Shots Pest Control to identify, decontaminate, and control your rodent problems.

Q: What do I do if I am going to a cabin or rural home, and find rodent droppings in it?
A: Call Hot Shots Pest Control to identify and decontaminate the dwelling with our exclusive product designed to neutralize all viruses and diseases. Keep children and pets away from the area until it has been disinfected and completely cleaned. Dwellings with evidence of severe infestation (e.g., substantial collections of rodent droppings or dead animals present) should first be aired-out while unoccupied. DO NOT USE VACUUM CLEANERS OR SWEEP, this will create airborne dust. Debris and dead animals should be buried or disposed of as directed by local health officials. Rodent-proofing measures should be applied to dwellings to prevent animal entry.

Q: What do I do if I find a dead rodent in my house or cabin?
A: Disinfect, remove, and discard it as described above. Call Hot Shots Pest Control; we'll do it safely!

Q: Should I set out traps to catch the mice?
A: Mice and rats should not be allowed in buildings. Snap traps (not cage traps) can be used, but direct contact with the animal and its droppings should be avoided. Follow the precautions described above. Traps should be disinfected following use or disposed of with the dead animal. After eliminating rodents from a building, the conditions that attracted them there (e.g., food sources, overstuffed furniture, etc.) should be corrected.

Q: Is it safe to go camping?
A: Yes, but it is always important to avoid contact with animals, their burrows, nests and especially their droppings.

Q: Is it all right to take my pets along on my camping trip?
A: It is always better to leave pets at home or in a kennel for their own safety. If you take your pets, they should always be confined or on a leash. Because of the danger of pets acquiring or transmitting other wildlife-associated diseases to their owners, pets should always be vaccinated for rabies and regularly treated for fleas (carriers of bubonic plague) and ticks (carriers of Lyme disease and relapsing fever).

Q: What special measures should I take if I do go camping?
A: With prudent precautions and behavior, undue worry can be avoided. Avoid areas with high rodent activity (e.g., burrows) or where rodent feces are evident. Store all food in containers sealed with lids. Do not feed wild animals, and wear insect repellent.

Q: Are children, pregnant women, and the elderly at higher risk than the general population?
A: ARDS illness is so rare that a greater susceptibility in these groups cannot be determined. Proximity and contact with rodents, their urine and feces, appears to be the most definitive factor in determining who becomes ill with Hantavirus.

Q: Will the "fume bombs" sold over-the-counter kill the virus?
A: Probably not. The virus is best inactivated by contact with a liquid disinfectant such as diluted household bleach.

Q: Who should I contact for more information?
A: Call your County Health Department listed in the Government Section at the front of your telephone directory. If you feel ill and are concerned, contact your personal physician, who will work with your County Health Department and the State Health Department. Do not call the State Health Department directly. (Modified from California Department of Health Services Bulletin)

How can hantavirus infection be prevented in my home? Prevent rodents from entering your house by calling Hot Shots Pest Control - Licensed for Hantavirus Decontamination. (805) 966-3075.

Call Hot Shots Pest Control for a FREE ESTIMATE! (805) 966-3075