A recent article in the National Post put Hantavirus front and center. More specifically Deer Mice and their population explosion in the Prairie Provinces this year.
This semi cute little thing has caused 30 people in Saskatchewan to contract Hanta virus and 10 deaths this year alone. Primarily from cleaning up sheds, cabins and crawlspaces etc.
As public health care providers, Abell Pest Control can assist the public in controlling this pest and in turn breaking the spread of the virus to the general public.
It is important to contact a pest management professional to ensure we protect ourselves when going into situations with Deer Mice.
Hantavirus is a organism carried by deer mice. An infected deer mouse will shed the virus in droppings, urine and saliva. The mouse typically lives in rural and semi-rural areas in nests located under trees, shrubs or in cavities and voids of buidings, unused cabinets or furniture.
Clinical Symptoms include the following, with the onset occurring 1 to 5 weeks after exposure:
Here are steps to reducing the risk of contracting hantavirus.
To summarize, Hanta Virus is a serious, potentially deadly respiratory disease carried by deer mice. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms occur within 45 days of possible exposure.