The grass is greening up, the temperatures are warmer and it’s that time of year to take precautions against hantavirus, as people start spring cleanup of enclosed buildings or vehicles. Saskatchewan’s Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Julie Kryzanowski, says, “Exposure most often occurs when cleaning up sheds, barns, garages, cabins or vehicles after winter. Particles can become airborne after sweeping, but it’s also possible to get the virus by touching something that has been contaminated, and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.”

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Some people develop severe symptoms that can be life threatening. The province says between 1994 and 2022, there were 37 cases of hantavirus in Saskatchewan and 13 were fatal.

Take the following precautions when cleaning rodent infested areas:
– ventilate the building by opening doors and windows, and then leave the area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning;
– avoid using dry cleaning methods such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming or air-hosing;
– use wet mopping methods and wear rubber or plastic gloves;
– wear goggles and a well-fitting N-95 type filter mask when cleaning areas contaminated by droppings;
– dampen areas contaminated with rodent droppings with bleach disinfectant and remove droppings with a damp mop or cloth;
– steam clean, shampoo or spray upholstered furniture with a detergent, disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water; and
– wash exposed clothes and bedding with detergent in hot water.

Prevention is also recommended to reduce rodent infestations:
– block openings that might allow rodents to enter a building;
– store human and animal food, water and garbage in pest-proof/resistant containers with tightly-fitted lids; and
– move woodpiles or other potential hiding places for mice away from your home.