Hantavirus was first recognized in 1993 when an outbreak occurred on a Reservation that bordered Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Current estimates place infected mice in all national parks. Experts are certain that the virus has been infecting people for much longer than the virus has been known, but it occurs so rarely and causes such common flu-like symptoms that it went unnoticed. Most recently, on June 18, 2009, a 65-year-old man in New Mexico was diagnosed with the disease, the second case in New Mexico this year.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is one disease caused by hantaviruses, the other is hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Belonging to the family Bunyaviridae, there are approximately 20 known hantaviruses, which usually cause mild disease in Asia and Europe. A few North American strains, such as Sin Nombre, cause HPS.
The virus does not transmit from person to person, only from rodent to person. UV light, such as sunlight, and common household disinfectants kill the virus. It is also inactivated by heating for at least 30 minutes (140 degrees F). Mice do not get the disease, and some strains have been shown to remain active for more than 2 weeks in the bedding of some rodents.
Risk Factors and Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection
The virus particles enter the human system when they have aerosolized. Dried feces or urine from an infected mouse are agitated into the air as dust particles and are breathed in. It is thought that campers may be more at risk if staying in infested cabins, though this has not been shown to be true. The virus can also be transmitted via broken skin, such as with a bite. The incubation time before symptom onset can be anywhere between 1 and 6 weeks.
Early symptoms of HPS are fever, chills, and muscle aches. These symptoms combined with known exposure to mice should result in a visit to the doctor. After a brief recovery period of 1-2 days the infected person will experience shortness of breath, and further symptoms of dry cough, headache, nausea and vomiting, and rapid shallow breathing will quickly come on. Without medical intervention, respiratory failure is likely and renal complications can occur. Even with aggressive treatment, half of all cases are fatal.
Rodent Control and Preventing Infection
The most common carrier is the deer mouse, which is found throughout the United States. It is important to keep living spaces clear of mice and to properly disinfect if some have made their way in. A few steps that can be taken to prevent this rare disease are:
- Air out old buildings before cleaning
- Wear a dust mask when cleaning out old sheds or barns to prevent inhalation of the particles.
- Remove any mice that make their way into the home or building.
- Use disinfectant to clean out nests, droppings, or dead mice.
- Do not have trash piles or garbage around, keep hay and compost away from the house.
- Do not leave out food, including pet food, if mice are a problem in the home.
For more information
The Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University
Resources
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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