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Hantavirus confirmed in rural Albertan; important precautions urged
May 31, 2012
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EDMONTON ? Following confirmation of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in an individual from a rural community north of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services is advising area residents, and all Albertans, to take simple precautions to protect themselves.
?Because humans can be exposed to Hantavirus when the urine or feces of an infected rodent ? such as a mouse ? become airborne, anyone who disturbs areas of mice or mice droppings can be at risk,? says Dr. Marcia Johnson, Medical Officer of Health ? Edmonton Zone. "It is essential that Albertans take precautions to protect themselves, and greatly reduce their risk of illness."
To safely clean mouse droppings, nests, or dead mice, observe these precautions:
Although Hantavirus infection is rare, it can be fatal. Individuals infected with Hantavirus generally show symptoms one or two weeks after exposure, however symptoms have been known to appear up to five weeks after exposure. Symptoms resemble severe flu, including fever, body aches, chills, abdominal problems and severe breathing problems.
Says Johnson, ?it is very important that anyone who has recently been in an area contaminated by mice and who has subsequently developed severe flu-like symptoms or difficulty breathing see a doctor immediately.?
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/6747.asp
May 31, 2012
<!-- content -->
EDMONTON ? Following confirmation of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in an individual from a rural community north of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services is advising area residents, and all Albertans, to take simple precautions to protect themselves.
?Because humans can be exposed to Hantavirus when the urine or feces of an infected rodent ? such as a mouse ? become airborne, anyone who disturbs areas of mice or mice droppings can be at risk,? says Dr. Marcia Johnson, Medical Officer of Health ? Edmonton Zone. "It is essential that Albertans take precautions to protect themselves, and greatly reduce their risk of illness."
To safely clean mouse droppings, nests, or dead mice, observe these precautions:
- Open doors and windows for ventilation, and keep out of the area for at least 30 minutes prior to commencing clean up.
- Wearing rubber gloves, thoroughly soak droppings, nests and dead mice with a bleach/water solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) or a household disinfectant.
- Let the bleach water solution sit for five minutes.
- Never disturb any droppings, nests or dead mice, prior to soaking with this bleach solution.
- Mop up bleach-soaked droppings, nest and/or dead mice, or pick up with paper towels, and place them in a plastic bag.
- Seal the bag and put in a garbage container with a tight fitting lid.
- Wash your gloves before removing, and then wash your hands.
- Never vacuum or sweep droppings, nests or dead mice. This can create dust that can be inhaled. The dust may contain Hantavirus.
Although Hantavirus infection is rare, it can be fatal. Individuals infected with Hantavirus generally show symptoms one or two weeks after exposure, however symptoms have been known to appear up to five weeks after exposure. Symptoms resemble severe flu, including fever, body aches, chills, abdominal problems and severe breathing problems.
Says Johnson, ?it is very important that anyone who has recently been in an area contaminated by mice and who has subsequently developed severe flu-like symptoms or difficulty breathing see a doctor immediately.?
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/6747.asp