A deer mouse found near Mount Laguna tested positive for hantavirus, marking the seventh detection in San Diego County during the current calendar year.
Hantavirus is relatively common in wild rodents within the county, and while the deer mouse's positive test brings awareness to the presence of hantavirus in the area, county officials have emphasized that exposure for humans is typically rare due to the natural avoidance of people by wild rodents. Regardless, it is crucial for individuals to exercise caution when interacting with wild rodents or engaging in activities that may bring them into contact with infected rodents or their excrements, such as cleaning garages, sheds, and outbuildings.
The virus is primarily transmitted through infected rodents' urine, feces, and saliva. When these substances dry, the hantavirus can be stirred into the air, where it can be inhaled by humans. To avoid exposure, "wet cleaning" methods - using bleach or other disinfectants, rubber gloves, and bags - are recommended when handling rodent-infested spaces. Sweeping or vacuuming should be avoided, as these activities may stir hantavirus particles into the air, increasing the risk of inhalation, according to County News Center.
Developing 1-8 weeks following exposure, hantavirus symptoms may include severe muscle aches, chills, fever, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and difficulty breathing. Individuals suspecting exposure should seek immediate medical attention.
Preventative measures are essential for avoiding hantavirus exposure. Sealing external holes in homes, garages, and sheds that are larger than a dime can help prevent rodents from entering spaces. Additionally, eliminating rodent infestations as soon as possible, avoiding rodent-infested areas, and refraining from stirring up dust or materials that may be contaminated are crucial for staying safe.
For information on how to clean up rodent excrement using the recommended "wet cleaning" method, follow the guidelines provided by the County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ), which includes using proper protective gear, ventilating the affected area, disinfecting the space thoroughly, and disposing of contaminated materials with care.
