Province issues warning after hantavirus death

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health is urging residents to take precautions after a recent death from hantavirus in the west-central part of the province. 

Few details about the death are being released, but the Ministry is advising caution to avoid infection with hantavirus when cleaning up rodent infested barns, homes or other buildings. 

“We advise people to take precautions against hantavirus by avoiding contact with deer mice to every extent possible,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab. 

Mice normally move indoors at this time of year and Shahad said people most likely to be exposed “should take precautions when cleaning rodent-infested buildings to prevent direct contact and breathing in of air particles that may be contaminated.” 

Shahad says buildings should be ventilated for at least 30 minutes prior to cleaning, wet mopping methods used when cleaning and to wear gloves. 

Although hantavirus infection is rare, it is a potentially fatal illness. Since 1994, 21 cases have been reported in Saskatchewan, including four in 2003 and one each in 2008 and 2010. 

The Ministry of Health has more details about hantavirus while Labour Relations and Workplace Safety has guidelines for workplaces with heavy infestations.