Hantavirus is a rare but serious illness that can be spread by rodents, especially deer mice. While most people who spot a mouse in their home don’t need to worry about getting sick, it’s important to know when you should be concerned, especially if you live in certain areas.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a respiratory disease that is usually spread by deer mice, which are common in rural areas west of the Mississippi River, including places like Colorado, New Mexico, and California. Deer mice can carry the virus without showing signs of illness but can still transmit it to humans.
The virus spreads when people breathe in airborne particles from the urine, saliva, or feces of infected mice. Although rare, humans can also get sick from a mouse bite. Once the virus enters the body, it can cause a disease called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which has flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing and even death.
How Common and Dangerous Is Hantavirus?
Although hantavirus is serious, it is quite rare. Between 1993 and 2022, the CDC reported just 834 cases of HPS, mostly in the western U.S. Around 30% of those cases were fatal. HPS symptoms usually show up within one to eight weeks after exposure to infected rodents. Most people who get sick recover, especially if their symptoms are mild.
Hantavirus is mainly spread through air particles, which makes it less likely for people to get sick from simply being bitten by a mouse. Most cases occur after exposure to rodents indoors, like in cabins or rural homes.
How Concerned Should You Be About Hantavirus?
The risk of catching hantavirus is low, even if you have mice in your home. Your chances of infection are highest if you live in rural areas where deer mice are common, particularly in the western U.S. If you live in a city or suburban area, you are unlikely to encounter the kind of rodents that carry the virus.
Even in rural areas, not all deer mice carry hantavirus. Studies have shown that only about 10-14% of deer mice are infected. The risk of getting sick increases if you have close contact with rodent droppings or urine, but simply seeing a mouse run by outside is unlikely to pose a serious risk.
What to Do If You Have Mice in Your Home
If you find evidence of a rodent infestation, like droppings, it’s important to act carefully. Rodent droppings can carry hantavirus and other diseases, so treat them as potentially harmful. Seal up your home to prevent mice from entering, and remove any potential nesting spots.
When cleaning up areas that may have been infested, it’s crucial to take precautions. Open windows and air out the area for 30 minutes before cleaning. Wear gloves and a mask, and use a disinfectant or bleach to wipe down surfaces. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming, as this can stir up dust and particles that could contain the virus.
What to Do If You Develop Symptoms
If you start to feel flu-like symptoms after being around mice, especially in a rural area, seek medical attention immediately. HPS can progress quickly, so early treatment is important. Doctors can provide supportive care and may use antiviral medication, though more research is needed to understand its effectiveness.
If you were exposed to rodents, make sure to tell your doctor. The earlier the infection is detected, the better the chances of recovery.
In summary, while hantavirus is a serious disease, the risk of contracting it is low for most people. However, if you encounter rodents in your home, it’s always best to take precautions, clean carefully, and seek medical care if you feel unwell.
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