The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced that up to
10,000 people who visited Yosemite National Park this summer were at
risk for developing an infection caused by Hantavirus. Most of these
potential victims stayed in the Park’s tent-cabins that, unbeknownst to
Park authorities, had been infested with mice that carry the potentially
fatal virus. Since the span of time from exposure to development of
symptoms can take as long as 5 weeks, those who may have been exposed
were warned to watch carefully for symptoms and to see their doctors at
the first sign of infection.
Hantavirus
may be carried by several species of rodents including the deer mouse,
the white-footed mouse, the rice rat, and the cotton rat.
The virus causes no harm to the host rodent but if
contracted by humans can cause a deadly disease called Hantavirus
pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Initially identified in the “4-corners”
region of the American southwest, Hantavirus has now been reported in
more than 24 states in the continental United States, Canada, and South
America.
Most often, Hantavirus infections
develop in humans after they have inhaled the virus following
disturbance of an infected mouse’s nest or when urine or droppings
containing the virus are stirred up and released into the air. Direct
transmission after touching contaminated nesting materials or droppings
and then touching eye, nose, or mouth can also occur.
Who’s at risk: Hantavirus
infections can occur in anyone who comes in contact with contaminated
mouse droppings, urine, saliva, or nesting materials. Activities that
place someone at particular risk include:
- Living or sleeping in houses or outbuildings that are infested with
mice or rats infected with the Hantavirus. This is particularly true if
the structure has been closed for a period of time.
- Using mice-infested trail shelters or the tent-cabins such as those at Yosemite National Park, when camping or hiking.
- Housekeeping that involves cleaning up mice droppings. This may be a
problem particularly in the winter when mice tend to seek shelter
indoors. Vacuuming dropping or nesting materials is not recommended
since this could release the virus into the air.
- Working in mouse infested areas, such as crawl spaces, attics,
basements, or between walls of the house. Plumbers, utility workers,
and pest-control personnel may be at particular risk while working in
these areas.
What are the symptoms of a Hantavirus infection?
Symptoms typically develop between 1 and 5 weeks following exposure to
the virus. Initially, people manifest flu-like symptoms, including
fever, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea. This can progress rapidly
to HPS that causes cough, extreme shortness of breath, and shock
(circulatory collapse). In its most severe form, HPS progresses to
kidney failure and death.
How are Hantavirus infections diagnosed?
Since the onset of HPS can develop fairly quickly, it is important to
see your doctor if you think that you could be infected. Flu-like
symptoms, along with a history of exposure to potentially infected
rodents, should alert the doctor to the possibility of this infection.
In addition to a physical exam checking particularly for lung
involvement, laboratory testing including a complete blood count
(looking especially at the number and type of infection-fighting white
blood cells), kidney and liver function tests, and an x-ray of the chest
are typically done. Confirmation of a Hantavirus infection can be done
by looking for antibodies to the virus or with a special test known as
polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Can Hantavirus infections be cured?
Not always, in fact, up to 50% of people with HPS die. Current
treatment is primarily supportive in nature by providing intravenous
fluids, oxygen, and if necessary, mechanical breathing. With certain
complications of HPS, an anti-viral medication known as ribavirin may be
used, although it has not been shown to be effective in all cases.
Prevention of Hantavirus infections: The CDC has offered the following recommendations for people to help avoid contracting this infection:
- When opening an unused cabin, shed, or other building, open all the
doors and windows, leave the building, and allow the space to air out
for 30 minutes.
- Return to the building and spray the surfaces, carpet, and other
areas with a disinfectant. Leave the building for another 30 minutes.
- Spray mouse nests and droppings with a 10% solution of chlorine
bleach or similar disinfectant. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Using
rubber gloves, place the materials in plastic bags. Seal the bags and
throw them in the trash or an incinerator. Dispose of gloves and
cleaning materials in the same way.
- Wash all potentially contaminated hard surfaces with a bleach or
disinfectant solution. Avoid vacuuming until the area has been
thoroughly decontaminated. Then, vacuum the first few times with enough
ventilation. Surgical masks may provide some protection.
For a complete rundown of ways and measures for avoiding mouse
or rat infestations including how to keeping mice out of your home, how
to safely trap and remove mice, and how to clean up mouse nest and
droppings, go to the
CDC’s website for more information.
Can one day really make a difference?
During the last Drug Take-Back Day on April 28, 2012, over 276 tons of
unwanted or expired medications were turned in for proper disposal.
Law enforcement offices as well as other locations were some of the
5,600 sites that were made available to turn in unwanted drugs. During
the four Drug Take-Back Days that have been conducted so far, over 1.5
million pounds of unwanted drugs have been removed from circulation.
physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your
health. Some of the most important health benefits from getting regular exercise
include:
