Texas Department of State Health Services is
recommending precautions after two Texas residents
developed hantavirus pulmonary syndrome this
year [2007]. One
person, a Jefferson County resident, died. The other
person, a Crosby County resident, recovered.
Hantavirus is carried by certain species
of rats and mice. The illness is rare. Infected
rodents shed the virus in their urine, droppings and
saliva. The virus can be transmitted to people when
infected rat or mouse urine, saliva, droppings or
nesting materials are stirred up, temporarily
aerosolizing the virus, which can be
breathed in by humans.
People who live in
rural or suburban areas near undeveloped land are at
higher risk from mice entering their homes.
People most commonly become infected when they stir
up and inhale airborne particles of contaminated
rodent droppings, urine and saliva. The virus can
also be spread by touching the mouth and nose after
handling infected rodents or contaminated objects.
To reduce the risk of hantavirus infection, do not
vacuum, sweep or dust areas for 30 minutes after
opening doors and windows. When
cleaning rooms or buildings, wet the surfaces with
disinfectant (for example, a 10 percent bleach
solution) before cleaning.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is caused by a virus
carried by wild rodents, primarily deer mice. The
1st signs of illness in humans are similar to flu
symptoms and include fatigue, fever and muscle
aches. They can also include headache, dizziness,
chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal
pain.
Later symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
include coughing, shortness of breath rapidly
progressing to severe difficulty in breathing, and
sometimes death. It is essential to seek medical
treatment. There is no specific treatment, so
prevention is important.
