The hantavirus made an appearance in the southwestern United States in 1993, according to the CDC, as a mystery illness that claimed several lives before medical experts were able to identify the disease. The disease was known to medical experts, just rarely seen. The last fatality in the same area caused by the virus took place in 1959.

Texas residents do not need to feel any panic about the disease, but it is important to use caution. Hantavirus is a serious illness that rodents transmit to humans. Experts discovered that an overabundance of mice led to the 1993 outbreak and is a good example of why people should never ignore a potential home infestation of rodents.

Know the Symptoms

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) causes the lungs of the patient to fill with fluid. The first symptoms can appear as soon as a week after exposure or could take as long as five weeks. Sufferers begin to have flu-like symptoms like body aches, chills, and headaches. Shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting, as well as other gastrointestinal problems, can arise.

Patients can become critical within a few days of the start of symptoms, and about 40 percent of all people infected with the virus will die from it, but early diagnosis helps to save lives. There is no cure for the disease, so survival relies on the relief of the symptoms to control fever, blood pressure and to prevent dehydration and respiratory infection.

Understand the Risks

People do not need to handle mice or the messes they leave behind to become ill. Airborne debris can also carry the virus if the mice have left droppings, urine, or saliva in the debris. Mice typically leave all these products behind in the homes they inhabit due to their chewing for nest making and their natural incontinence.

Infected humans cannot spread the disease, and cats and dogs are not susceptible to infection. However, cats that like to hunt can increase the risk by bringing mice infected with the virus into the home.

Plan for Cleaning

Use precautionary measures like air masks, goggles, and gloves while cleaning areas of the home where mice may live. Sheds, garages, and attics and basements are common interior areas, but outdoor hideouts may also pose a risk. Wood piles or any area where a mouse could find a hiding spot has the potential to be rodent infested and a hantavirus risk.

Open doors and windows for ventilation before the cleaning begins. Never handle any dead rodents or their debris with bare hands. Do not sweep or vacuum debris because it causes particles to become airborne. Dampen everything with a bleach water solution or a reliable commercial disinfectant and allow it to sit for several minutes before handling.

Pick up all material and deceased rodents with gloved hands. Throw out the gloves, paper towels or rags used in the cleaning process when the project is complete. Leave the windows open for about 30 minutes after cleaning.

Keep Mice Away

Make the home unappealing to rodents to avoid the risk of a potential outbreak. Never leave human food, pet food or any type of animal feed uncovered. Place bird feeders away from the home and other active areas in the yard. Keep garbage cans sealed tightly. Close off all possible entry points for the rodents and remove any potential nesting areas in the yard.

Records kept by the CDC show 728 reported cases of hantavirus in the United States since its discovery in 1993. Texas had 45 reports during that time. Treat the risk seriously but avoid any unnecessary panic.

At Pioneer Exterminating Company, we make it easy for our customers with reliable rodent control services and removal and cleanup of infestations. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.