Hantavirus discovered in 3 deer mice in San Diego County, posing a threat.
MOUNT LAGUNA, Calif.—Hantavirus Detected in Deer Mice Near Mount Laguna
In an alarming discovery, county officials have announced that three deer mice collected near Mount Laguna have tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus. This news comes after routine monitoring conducted by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality.
While it is not uncommon to find hantavirus in wild rodents in San Diego County, with this being the 13th detection of the virus in 2023, the risk of exposure to humans remains low. Wild rodents typically reside away from human settlements. However, it is crucial to note that hantavirus can cause severe infections in people, and unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine or cure available.
Authorities are reminding residents to refrain from sweeping or vacuuming up after wild rodents if they encounter them in their homes, garages, sheds, cabins, or any other living spaces. Instead, individuals should employ “wet-cleaning” methods to minimize the risk of inhaling the virus and falling ill.
Hantavirus exposure occurs when wild rodents shed the virus in their urine, feces, and saliva. Once the matter dries, it can become airborne, and people may unknowingly breathe it in.
Common symptoms of hantavirus infection usually manifest within one to eight weeks after exposure. These symptoms include severe muscle aches, chills, fever or fatigue, headache or dizziness, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, and difficulty breathing. If anyone suspects they may have been exposed to hantavirus, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
To minimize the risk of exposure, residents are advised to seal all external holes larger than a dime in their homes, garages, and sheds to prevent rodents from entering. Additionally, immediate action should be taken to eliminate any rodent infestations. It is crucial to avoid areas known to be infested with rodents and to refrain from stirring up dust or materials that may be contaminated with rodent droppings or urine.
The “wet-cleaning method” consists of the following:
- Ventilating the affected area by opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes
- Using gloves and spraying a 10 percent bleach solution or other disinfectants onto dead rodents, rodent droppings, nests, contaminated traps, and surrounding areas. Let the disinfectant stand for at least 15 minutes before cleaning.
- Cleaning with a sponge or mop that has been soaked in disinfectant
- Placing disinfected debris into two plastic bags, sealing them, and disposing of them in the trash. Wash gloves in a bleach solution, then with soap and water, and dispose of them using the same double-bag method.
- Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water.
What are the symptoms of hantavirus infection and when do they typically appear?
As the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality continues its routine monitoring, a concerning discovery has been made near Mount Laguna, California. County officials have announced that three deer mice collected in the area have tested positive for the hantavirus, a potentially deadly virus. While hantavirus is not uncommon in wild rodents in San Diego County, with this being the 13th detection in 2023, the risk of human exposure remains low due to the rodents’ preference for residing away from human settlements.
It is crucial to note that hantavirus can cause severe infections in humans, and unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine or cure available. The authorities are reminding residents to take precautions if they encounter wild rodents in their homes, garages, sheds, cabins, or any other living spaces. Instead of sweeping or vacuuming up after them, individuals should employ ”wet-cleaning” methods to minimize the risk of inhaling the virus and falling ill.
Hantavirus exposure occurs when wild rodents shed the virus in their urine, feces, and saliva. Once the matter dries, it can become airborne, and people may unknowingly breathe it in. Therefore, it is essential to handle any encounters with wild rodents cautiously and follow the recommended cleaning methods.
Common symptoms of hantavirus infection usually appear within one to eight weeks after exposure. These symptoms include severe muscle aches, chills, fever or fatigue, headache or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and difficulty breathing. If anyone suspects they may have been exposed to hantavirus, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
In light of this discovery, it is also important to stay informed about related health concerns. Recently, nine cases of Salmonella linked to raw milk products have been reported in San Diego. To learn more about this issue and stay updated on related stories, readers can visit the provided link.
It is essential for residents to remain vigilant, take necessary precautions, and stay informed about potential health risks in their area. By following guidelines and seeking medical attention when needed, individuals can mitigate the risks associated with the hantavirus and other diseases.
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