Four recent cases of hantavirus infection in Alberta (May 2005), including one death, are a stark reminder of the serious nature of this biological agent.

Disease from hantavirus can develop when humans come into contact with infected rodents or their waste products. The most common means of exposure is from disturbing rodent droppings or materials contaminated with rodent urine or saliva (e.g., dust and nesting materials), then inhaling those particles when they become airborne. Infection affects the lungs. A flu-like condition develops one to five weeks after exposure and is usually followed by abdominal pain, coughing, shortness of breath and other symptoms.

Health officials regard the chances of contracting hantavirus to be low. Not all rodents are carriers, and not all people exposed to infected rodents become sick. People that become infected, however, require immediate medical care. About one case in three is fatal. According to Alberta Health & Wellness, there have been 32 confirmed cases of hantavirus in Alberta since 1989. Nine of these cases have been fatal.

The deer mouse is the only confirmed species of hantavirus carrier. However, all rodents should be considered potential carriers.

The following precautions are recommended to reduce exposure and reduce the risk of infection:

DON’T…

• allow rodent nesting to occur and droppings to accumulate
• clean up rodent infestation without safe work procedures and personal protective equipment
• use compressed air, dry sweeping or vacuums to remove rodent droppings or nesting materials.

DO…

• rodent-proof buildings and grounds – keep food and garbage in proper containers, and deter rodents from entering dwellings and other buildings
• educate employees about hantavirus and consider the risk of exposure as part of your hazard assessments
• develop and use safe work procedures to decontaminate rodent-infested areas.

Common decontamination procedures include:

• ventilating enclosed areas
• wearing personal protective equipment – disposable rubber gloves, NIOSH-approved respirator with HEPA filtration, and full body cover
• soaking contaminated materials and droppings with a disinfectant solution (egg., bleach and water)
• using towels or mops to pick up soaked contaminants
• double-bagging all contaminated materials in plastic
• disposing of contaminated materials in accordance with local regulations and by-laws.