NEWS: Hantavirus

An El Dorado County woman was recently diagnosed with a hantavirus infection, and has recovered. Local doctor's offices have been notified today by the Department of Public Health, and further information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have been distributed by Marshall Medical Center.

Please bear in mind that this is a rare disease and an avoidable one.

This virus occurs in wild rodents such as mice and rats. It can be inhaled by humans because the rodents excrete it in their urine and droppings.

The most frequent symptoms are pretty non-specific: fever, chills and muscle aches. Shortness of breath, chest pain and cough are not common, but are serious as the virus can cause a serious lung infection.

Rashes, bloodshot eyes reddened throat, and fluid swelling are unlikely to be from hantavirus.

To prevent getting exposed to hantavirus:

• Avoid areas (especially indoors) where wild rodents are likely to have been present.
• Before cleaning an enclosed cabin, shed, trailer or similar area open the doors and windows and air it out for at least 30 minutes before entering.
• Don't touch live wild rodents.
• Wear disposable plastic gloves when handling dead rodents or cleaning areas.
• Spray diluted bleach on areas soiled by rodent droppings or urine and on dead rodents. Use one part household bleach to 10 parts water.
• Wear plastic gloves and a wet sponge or mop to clean the area. Do not sweep or vacuum.
• Place dead rodents and waste in double plastic bags. Seal each one tightly and discard in trash.
• Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
• Deter rodents by removing rubbish, discarded junk, stacked wood. Block mouseholes. Tightly seal food containers.
• If large numbers of rodents are present, contact a pest control service to remove them.