Hantavirus case confirmed in central Alberta

EDMONTON- Alberta Health Services (AHS) is issuing a warning, after someone in central Alberta contracted hantavirus.

AHS wouldn’t say exactly where the victim lives, just that they contracted the virus in a rural community in central Alberta.

People can be exposed to the virus when urine or feces of an infected rodent become airborne. AHS say although hantavirus infection is rare, it can be fatal.

“Anyone who disturbs areas of mice or mice droppings can be at risk,” said Dr. Ifeoma Achebe, Medical Officer of Health, AHS. “It is essential that Albertans take precautions to protect themselves, and greatly reduce their risk of illness.”

People infected with hantavirus generally show symptoms one or two weeks after exposure. However, symptoms have been known to appear up to five weeks after exposure. AHS says symptoms resemble severe flu, including fever, body aches, chills, abdominal problems and severe breathing problems.

“It is very important that anyone who has recently been in an area contaminated by mice and who has subsequently developed severe flu-like symptoms or difficulty breathing see a doctor immediately,” Achebe added.

To safely clean mouse droppings, nests, or dead mice, AHS recommends people follow these precautions:

• Open doors and windows for ventilation, and keep out of the area for at least 30 minutes prior to commencing clean up
• Wearing rubber gloves, thoroughly soak droppings, nests and dead mice with a bleach/water solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) or a household disinfectant
• Let the bleach water solution sit for five minutes
• Never disturb any droppings, nests or dead mice, prior to soaking with this bleach solution
• Mop up bleach-soaked droppings, nest and/or dead mice, or pick up with paper towels, and place them in a plastic bag
• Seal the bag and put in a garbage container with a tight fitting lid
• Wash your gloves before removing, and then wash your hands
• Never vacuum or sweep droppings, nests or dead mice. This can create dust that can be inhaled. The dust may contain hantavirus

AHS urges Albertans dealing with significant mouse infestations or with mouse infestations in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation to contact Health Link Alberta, at 1-866-408-5465, to discuss special precautions.