As Canadians engage in their annual spring cleaning routine, health experts are cautioning them to safeguard against hantavirus transmitted by rats and mice. When clearing out storage spaces like sheds, cottages, cabins, and garages, it is crucial for Canadians to be well-informed and equipped to ensure their safety. This advice comes in light of the recent alarming outbreak of the disease on a luxury cruise ship.
Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan, emphasizes the importance of being vigilant for rodent droppings and taking necessary precautions during spring cleaning activities. She warns that certain mice in Canada can carry hantaviruses, posing a health risk to individuals.
According to Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer of British Columbia, hantavirus can be transmitted to humans through dried rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Dr. Henry explains that during the cleaning process, droppings and urine can become airborne, especially when cleaning enclosed spaces like cottages, which raises concerns about potential exposure to the virus.
In Canada, the Public Health Agency highlights that hantavirus-carrying rodents such as the deer mouse, white-footed mouse, and red-backed vole are commonly found in rural and wooded areas. Farmers, cottagers, and homeowners are identified as the most at-risk groups for hantavirus exposure.
To protect oneself while cleaning, the Public Health Agency recommends two key steps: preventing rodent infestations and adopting safe cleaning practices. Residents are advised to seal off rodent entry points, maintain a tidy outdoor environment, store wood away from buildings, and use mousetraps to keep dwellings rodent-free. Additionally, food, water, and waste should be securely stored in containers.
If rodent droppings are discovered during cleaning, residents should ventilate the area by opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before leaving the space. When handling droppings, individuals should wear rubber gloves and a HEPA-filtered mask to minimize the risk of exposure. Instead of sweeping or vacuuming droppings, it is recommended to spray the area with a disinfectant solution or bleach mixture, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe it up with paper towels or a mop. After cleaning, gloves should be washed in disinfectant and hot, soapy water, and hands should be thoroughly washed. Mops used in the cleaning process should also be disinfected with hot, soapy water.
As Canadians undertake their spring cleaning tasks, it is essential to heed these precautions to protect against hantavirus and ensure a safe living environment.