"Saskatchewan residents are being reminded to take precautions against hantavirus as they start their spring cleanup," said SHA in a statement issued Thursday. (ID 104530300 © Evgenii Kharitonov | Dreamstime.com)

By battlefordsNOW staff

DEER MICE

SHA warn of hantavirus risk during spring cleaning

Apr 24, 2025 | 5:11 PM

Spring cleaning could come with a deadly health risk.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is warning about hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal illness spread by infected deer mice.

“Anyone cleaning storage sheds or recreational vehicles that have been sitting all winter should be aware and take precautions against Hantavirus,” said Dr. David Torr, medical health officer with the SHA, in a statement issued Thursday.

The virus is transmitted through airborne particles from the droppings, urine, or saliva of infected rodents. When inhaled, it can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe lung condition that can be, again, fatal.

“The virus is airborne, so it is important that if you find evidence of mice or rodent infestation, to wear a mask and gloves when cleaning and, most importantly, wet down all surfaces before sweeping or cleaning to prevent the inhalation of airborne particles,” he said.

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Between 1994 and 2024, SHA reported 38 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, 13 of which were fatal. The latest figures include preliminary data for 2024 and are subject to change.

The SHA advises people to avoid dry cleaning methods such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming or air-hosing in areas where rodent droppings are found. Instead, buildings should be ventilated for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. Wet mopping with disinfectants is recommended, along with the use of rubber or plastic gloves, protective goggles, and a well-fitting N95-type mask.

Contaminated areas should be treated with a bleach disinfectant, and droppings should be removed with a damp cloth or mop. Upholstered furniture should be steam cleaned, shampooed or disinfected, and any exposed clothing or bedding should be washed in hot water with detergent.

People most at risk include farmers, grain handlers, cottagers and homeowners — especially those cleaning out buildings that have been closed up for the winter.

Symptoms typically appear within one to six weeks of exposure and may include fever, muscle aches, cough, headache, nausea and vomiting. Severe symptoms, including shortness of breath, require immediate medical attention.

To prevent rodent infestations year-round, the SHA recommends sealing up entry points in homes and other buildings, reducing access to food and nesting materials, and storing food and waste in tightly sealed, pest-resistant containers. Woodpiles and other potential nesting areas should also be kept away from the home.

More information is available at saskatchewan.ca or by calling HealthLine at 811.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com