Protect yourself against hantavirus, province says
Because hantavirus is a potentially fatal disease, those who are cleaning up where mice have been -- need to take precautions -- according to provincial health officials.
10 people have died of the illness in past 2 decades
Provincial health officials say people need to take extra precautions to avoid the potentially fatal hantavirus. People are at particular risk of the virus when cleaning areas frequented by mice.
People are most often exposed to it when cleaning up a cottage, garage or granary after it has been closed up for the season.
Even a combine or an old vehicle may have deer mouse droppings inside it. Experts say the area should be ventilated for at least half an hour before cleaning.
It's also a good idea to dampen and wet mop the area to avoid stirring up dry dust.
According to the province, exposure to hantavirus can also be reduced by:
- Blocking openings that might allow rodents to enter a building;
- Storing human and animal food, water and garbage in containers with tightly-fitted lids; and
- Moving woodpiles or other potential hiding places for mice away from your home.
In the past two decades, 10 people in Saskatchewan have died after being exposed to hantavirus.