Hantavirus: Know this

  • Published
  • By Airmen 1st Class Michael Scaricaciottoli and Jared Reynolds
  • 341st Medical Operations Squadron Public Health
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services confirmed the first two cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome for the state of Montana in 2012. Both of these cases occurred in Cascade County.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, HPS is a disease characterized by coughing, shortness of breath, fever, chills, myalgia (muscle pain), headache and gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms typically begin one to six weeks following exposure to the virus. If individuals have these symptoms, particularly if they have been cleaning or disturbing areas in which rodents are suspected and/or are experiencing respiratory distress, they should seek medical care immediately.

The illness is caused by a virus in rodents (e.g., deer mice) that is shed in feces, urine, and saliva. When the excrement is stirred up, tiny droplets containing the virus get into the air. The transmittal of the virus is usually caused when humans breathe in air contaminated with the hantavirus. People may also be infected with hantavirus when these materials are directly introduced into broken skin or into the eyes or mouth. Investigation has determined that both Cascade County patients were likely exposed to the virus while cleaning.

Since the first appearance of HPS in Montana in 1993, cases have been extremely rare. Previously, according to MT DPHHS, the last reported case of HPS in Montana was in 2011. There have been cases in Cascade County, but the last reported incident was in 2003. In spite of the infrequency of HPS, the seriousness of the illness necessitates care to prevent infection.

Per the CDC, the best way to prevent HPS is to reduce human exposure to the carrier rodents by eliminating food sources, sealing holes in the exterior of your home, using traps and cleaning up nesting sites.

The following precautions should be used when cleaning rodent droppings or an area where rodents may be nesting:
  • Make sure to wear rubber or plastic gloves.
  • Thoroughly spray/soak an area with a mixture of bleach and water; this will prevent aerosolizing any dust.
  • Wipe or mop the area with a sponge or paper towel and discard after you are done.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after removing the gloves.
  • Never sweep or vacuum the area due to possibly suspending the infected material into the air where it could be inhaled.
  • While hiking, camping or working outdoors, avoid disturbing burrows and dens.
  • Ventilate cabins and shelters.
  • Use a groundcloth or tent instead of sleeping directly on the ground.
Following these simple procedures will ensure HPS remains very rare in Montana.

For more information on HPS, visit the CDC HPS section at http://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/index.html or call Public Health at 731-4405.