Health officials in the prairie province of Saskatchewan have confirmed a case of hantavirus related death of an adult male, and are investigating another in the same region. They say the two cases are not related.
While hantavirus has been detected in wild rodents, such as deer mice, across most of Canada, although cases of humans contracting the virus are more prevalent in the prairie provinces.
The serious and often fatal disease is typically contracted after exposure to air or dust contaminated by rodent saliva, urine or feces. It can also be contracted if the hands have come in contact with mouse droppings and then rubbing eyes, mouth, nose or broken skin. Rodent bites can also lead to infection if the skin is broken.
People who contract the infection will suffer severe flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms develop within one to six weeks of exposure. Prompt treatment is imperative since the mortality rate is about 50 per cent.
The people most commonly exposed to the virus are farmers, cottagers, campers, grain handlers and to a lesser extent, home owners. People can be exposed when cleaning out cottages, sheds, or other areas that were infested by rodents like deer mice. Health officials warn people not to vacuum or sweep mouse droppings as that can stir up dust that can be inhaled and attack the lungs. It’s better to dampen the droppings with disinfectant (such as a bleach solution) and remove them with a damp mop or cloth.
Including this most recent case, there have been 24 cases of hantavirus and seven deaths reported in Saskatchewan since 1994.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.