Hantavirus is making the news again after an outbreak in 12 people with 3 deaths from a cruise ship which was sailing from Argentina to the Atlantic Islands.  Another case in Colorado occurred recently unrelated to the cruise ship and previously Gene Hackman’s wife had died from hantavirus.

My father was telling me he found a dead mouse in an outbuilding so he researched how to dispose of the mouse properly if it was infected and I thought we all should know a little bit more about this.

READ ON to learn more about this potentially deadly virus…

Hantavirus is a virus that infects primarily rodents and consists of several different viral strains.  If a rodent is infected, they will only have one strain.  Majority of transmissions to humans in the United States is directly through exposure to the rodent’s urine, droppings or saliva but may also occur from a bite or scratch.  However, there is a strain called the “Andes” virus which has been shown to be transmitted from human to human.  This was the strain found on the cruise ship and is primarily located in South America (Argentina and Chile as top spots).  It is thought the initial couple that contracted it and died had been exposed while in South America and brought it on the ship with them.

Exposure:

Rats and mice especially thru exposure to their urine, droppings and saliva.  May also spread from a bite or scratch. Majority of cases are from direct contact with rodent excrement.  There is one strain that exposure can some from another human.  If you have been traveling then isolate yourself for safety of others if you have symptoms listed below.

Where has hantavirus been found?

A recent evaluation of where these infected rodents have been found in the United States was reported by Luis Escobar, associate professor in Virginia Tech’s fish and wildlife conservation department.  According to his research, he reported Virginia as the hot spot with a few other states with higher incidences including Colorado, Texas and New Mexico.  This does not mean every rodent in these states has hantavirus.  It also doesn’t mean that other states not listed do not have infected rodents – only not as many.

Diseases exposure creates:

  1. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) – the deer mouse seems to be the most common carrier. This is the most common condition found in the United States when exposed.
  2. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)- this affects the kidneys. One strain of the virus with this syndrome has been found in the US while majority of these cases are found in Europe and Asia.

Symptoms

HPS – pulmonary syndrome

Early symptoms start 1-8 weeks after exposure

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches – especially large muscle groups like the thigh, hips and back
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Chills
  • Abdominal issues – nausea/vomiting/diarrhea/abdominal pain
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Late symptoms may start 4-10 days after the initial symptoms appear

  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath

Can be deadly as the lungs may fill with fluid.

HFRS – hemorrhagic renal syndrome

Sudden onset of symptoms within 1-2 weeks of exposure although may rarely be longer

  • Intense headaches
  • Back and abdominal pain
  • Fever/chills
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Flushing of the face

Late symptoms

  • Low blood pressure
  • Lack of blood flow due to shock
  • Internal bleeding
  • Acute kidney failure

Different strains have different intensities of issues with the Hantaan and Dobrava strains being the worst with the hemorrhagic condition.

Diagnosis:

Early diagnosis is difficult and is typically thought to be other illnesses like the flu.  There is a lab test thru Quest that can check for hantavirus antibodies but will not tell you which strain.  CDC has specialty testing if needed, though. If you suspect hantavirus go to the hospital sooner than later and be sure and tell them of any exposure to mice/rats or travel.

Treatment is supportive and hospitalization is often needed for observation under quarantine.

Fatality in the pulmonary syndrome form if the lungs fully get involved is high at 30-50% while the hemorrhagic form with kidney issues seems to be milder with only 1-15%.

What to do if you see mouse droppings or a dead mouse:

Do not panic.  Again, majority of rodents do not actively have this virus but you cannot tell by simply looking at them.

Here are some basic guidelines:

  • Prevention is key so if you notice you have some rodent activity start working on reducing their numbers with the help of a professional
  • Ventilate the area where you found the droppings/mouse before you go in and try to address this
  • Get your gear: wear rubber gloves, N95 mask and perhaps goggles to avoid anything splashing in your eye
  • Disinfect with a mixture of water and bleach – spray generously over the area and allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes
  • Remove using disposable paper towels and place into a plastic bag that can be sealed tightly. Double bagging is recommended and then dispose of this in an outdoor, covered trash can.
  • Disinfect again after removal
  • Launder any contaminated materials with hot water and run the dryer on high heat
  • Wash your hands with soap before removing your clothes , discard the gloves like you did with the actual paper towels and then wash again

***Do NOT vacuum or sweep the area first as this may create airborne particles that can be infectious.

CDC has an entire 20 page brochure concerning Hantavirus and how to protect yourself so I would check this out.

To your health,

 

Laura