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Hantavirus Alert - Central Zone

June 25, 2010

There have been two confirmed cases of hantavirus in the Central Zone this week.
 
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a respiratory illness associated with the inhalation of aerosolized rodent excreta (urine and feces) contaminated with hantavirus particles.  Symptoms typically appear within 1 to 5 weeks after exposure. Fever, chills, and myalgia as well as malaise, headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms are common.  A few days after the onset of initial symptoms cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweats, and arthralgia may develop. Pulmonary edema and deterioration of cardiopulmonary function may follow rapidly.

For advice related to appropriate diagnostic testing of suspect cases please contact the Provincial Laboratory Virologist on call or reference the website at www.provlab.ab.ca.

The only confirmed carrier of the hantavirus in Alberta is the deer mouse (reddish-brown or in some cases grey, but always with white fur on the underside of the neck, belly, feet, and tail). However, it is not easy to determine what kind of mouse one is exposed to (particularly when the only evidence is droppings). All mice should be treated as potential carriers.

Advise patients of steps that can reduce the risk of infection

  • Minimize the presence of all mice by reducing the availability of food sources or nesting materials, and prevent mice from entering the home.
  • When disposing of mouse droppings:
    • Use rubber gloves
    • Ventilate enclosed areas before cleaning
    • Spray the droppings or the mouse with disinfectant or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), leave for at least 10 minutes, then place them in a sealed bag and put the bag in a garbage can or bury them.
    • Disturb the mouse or droppings as little as possible. Do not use a vacuum cleaner or sweep to remove mouse droppings. Remove by damp mopping, preferably twice.
    • People who are likely to be exposed to high levels of contamination or in spaces with little ventilation should wear a respirator-type mask with a filter rating of N100 or greater or seek professional help for cleaning.

Actions

  1. Report all suspect cases immediately to the MOH (Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health Services, Central Zone) at (403) 356-6430.
  2. Isolation precautions are not required as person to person transmission has not been documented.
  3. Consultation with an infectious diseases physician for investigation and management is recommended.

Additional References