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Hantavirus Alert - North Zone

June 28, 2010

There have been two confirmed cases of hantavirus in Alberta this past 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. Infected individuals usually present with non-specific, flu-like, symptoms. 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.

Send a dedicated serum separator vacutainer (SST) for hantavirus serology and molecular testing to the Provincial Laboratory for the confirmation of suspected cases, or contact the Provincial Laboratory. 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), 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 to remove mouse droppings, particularly in an enclosed space. Similarly do not sweep without wetting down the droppings with the diluted bleach solution.
    • People who are likely to be exposed to high levels of contamination or in areas with little ventilation should wear a respirator-type mask with a filter rating of N100 or greater.

Actions

  1. Report all suspect cases immediately to the MOH as per the number(s) below during business hours and at 1-800-732-8981 after hours, on weekends and holidays.
  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.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Dr. A. de Villiers, MB.Ch.B., M.Med. (C.H.)
North Zone Lead MOH - West
780-513-7531 (Office)
780-512-7103 (Cell)

Dr. G. Predy, MD, FRCPC
North Zone MOH - Central
780-342-0185 (Office)
780-970-8530 (Cell)

Dr. B. Friesen, MD, FRCPC
North Zone MOH – East
780-793-7311 (Office)
780-881-4415 (Cell) 

Additional References