Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare but deadly lung disease that mainly spreads by inhaling a virus found in the droppings and nesting material of infected wild rodents. In California, HPS is usually found in deer mice. Deer mice are grey to brown on top and white underneath. While not all mice carry the virus, its best to avoid contact with all wild rodents. Rodents from pet stores dont carry the virus. People become infected with HPS when rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials are moved and the virus is sent into the air.
These activities increase the risk of infection:
Cleaning up dead mice, mouse nests or droppings, especially when in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces
Being in areas like sheds, cabins, or barns where rodents might be present
Handling live or dead deer mice
First symptoms appear 1 to 5 weeks after coming into contact with the virus and can include fever, headache, and muscle aches. About 2 to 7 days later, illness can progress to difficulty breathing, often severe and requiring hospitalization and intensive care. HPS is best treated if its found early. If you have been around wild rodents and have any of the symptoms of HPS, see a doctor right away.
To prevent HPS
Keep wild rodents away by:
Sealing up holes inside and outside the home
Keeping garbage, woodpiles, and vegetable gardens at least 100 feet from the home
Not leaving pet food outside
Keeping garbage in tightly sealed containers and disposing of it at least weekly
Be very careful when cleaning areas that might be contaminated by wild rodents:
Open windows and doors to air out potentially contaminated areas for at least 30 minutes before cleaning
Spray dead rodents, nests, and droppings with a disinfectant or 10% bleach solution before vacuuming or wiping
Wear latex or rubber gloves and eye protection when
cleaning. When done clean them in disinfectant or bleach
solution and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and
water
Items that cannot be disinfected (like paper, wood, and fabric) should be carefully placed in the sun for several hours. Sunlight can kill the virus
For highly infested areas, contact a professional rodent control service.
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