What is Hantavirus and what kind of threat is it to my family?
A. Hantavirus is a very serious and potentially deadly disease carried and transmitted to humans by mice, particularly Deer Mice. It is usually spread to humans when they inhale the virus, which is found in droppings, urine and saliva of rodents. Anytime humans share a home or outbuilding with rodents, there is the possibility of exposure to the virus. The only way to avoid the disease is through rodent control. If you do have mice or other rodents in your home or in outbuildings, all waste must be treated as a bio-hazard and proper precautions taken. Ironically, it is cleaning that most commonly exposes humans to Hantavirus. The fecal matter and urine deposits are disturbed and fine particulate matter becomes airborne, is inhaled, and blossoms into disease.
