Hantavirus in Montana by Alice Burchak

As we approach the summer months there is an increased risk of Montana residents being exposed to Hantavirus. According to Montana Department of Health and Human Services epidemiologist Rachel Hinnenkamp, hantavirus infection can occur during any month but risk of exposure is increased in the spring and summer as people clean cabins and sheds, and spend more time outside in the vicinity of rodents.

Montana has one of the highest rates of infection in the United States with 43 reported cases since 1993 when data started being tracked.  Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches with progression include coughing and extreme shortness of breath. Hantavirus infection can cause severe illness; about 25 percent of Montana’s cases have resulted in death. Early diagnoses and supportive medical care is essential for a person to recover from Hantavirus.

Deer mice are the most common host of the virus, and are well dispersed throughout Montana. People can become infected with Hantavirus when saliva, urine, or droppings from an infected deer mouse are stirred up and inhaled. It is important to avoid activities that raise dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming, if there are signs of rodents in the area.

The best way to protect yourself from Hantavirus is to control rodent populations by sealing up holes to prevent entry and using snap traps to eliminate any mice indoors. You can also reduce rodent populations near dwellings by keeping grass and shrubbery near the home well-trimmed, and moving woodpiles at least 100 feet from a building and raising them at least one foot off the ground.

You can protect yourself while cleaning areas contaminated by rodent droppings by taking the following precautions:

·                   If cleaning an area such as a cabin, camper or outbuilding, open windows and doors and air-out the space for 30 minutes prior to cleaning.

·                   Wear rubber or plastic gloves.

·                   Thoroughly spray or soak the area with a disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water to reduce dust. Let soak for 5 minutes.

·                   Wipe up the droppings with a sponge or paper towel, and discard after use.

·                   Clean and disinfect the entire area with disinfectant or bleach solution.

·                   Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after removing and discarding the gloves.

·         Avoid sweeping or vacuuming areas with rodent droppings and urine, as the action can stir up dust and lead to inhalation of the virus.

If you would like further information on Hantavirus the Montana DPHHS has a great information website.

http://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/hantavirus