How to protect yourself from hantavirus during spring cleaning

(Source: www.canada.ca)

Though it seems like winter has refused to go away, many Saskatchewan residents are likely to begin spring cleaning if they haven’t already. However, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is warning the public of the risks, which includes hantavirus.

Hantavirus is caused by breathing in contaminated airborne particles from the droppings, urine or saliva of infected deer mice. It can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal lung disease.

“Deer mice are found throughout Saskatchewan, and the risk of exposure is highest when cleaning enclosed or unused spaces where mice may have nested, such as sheds, barns, cabins, trailers, RVs, old vehicles, garages, and storage buildings,” said Dr. Stanley Enebli, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Medical Health Officer in a Tuesday news release.

Due to the virus being airborne, the health agency recommends residents wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a well-fitting N-95 mask when dealing with areas infected mice have traversed.

“Moisten droppings and contaminated areas with a bleach and water disinfectant solution before wiping or mopping,” Enebli added. “Taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk of illness from rodent contamination.”

When cleaning rodent-infested areas, the SHA advises people to avoid activities which create dust and limit the possibility of breathing in or directly contacting potentially contaminated air.

There have been 38 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Saskatchewan between 1994 and 2025, according to the SHA.

The health authority recommended the following measures when cleaning outside buildings like sheds or unoccupied dwellings like cabins where evidence of rodent infestation is found.

• Ventilate the building by opening doors and windows, and then leave the area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning;
• Avoid using dry cleaning methods such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming or air-hosing;
• Use wet mopping methods and wear rubber or plastic gloves;
• Wear goggles and a well-fitting N-95 type filter mask, an industrial N95 mask is recommended, when cleaning areas contaminated by mouse droppings;
• Dampen areas contaminated with rodent droppings with bleach and water disinfectant solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) or a household disinfectant and remove droppings with a damp mop or cloth;
• Steam clean, shampoo or spray upholstered furniture with a detergent, disinfectant or a bleach and water disinfectant solution; and
• Wash exposed clothes and bedding with detergent in hot water.

Hantavirus symptoms usually begin within one to six weeks of exposure and include fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea and vomiting.