Hantavirus Infected Mouse Found in Chula Vista, Rodent Cases More Than Double in 2011

A deer mouse caught last week in a regularly monitored trap in Chula Vista tested positive for hantavirus, a County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health official said.

52 rodents have tested positive for hantavirus in San Diego County in 2011, compared to 21 in 2010. Hantavirus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which begins with flu-like symptoms but can grow into severe breathing difficulties and even death.

There is no treatment, vaccine or cure for hantavirus infections, which is deadly in 38 percent of cases, county health officials said.

An infected deer mouse and vole , said Supervising Vector Ecologist Chris Conlan.

“Deer mice typically avoid contact with people,” said Jack Miller, director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “But this cold weather may drive them inside looking for warmth, food and shelter.”

Rodents in the wild with the virus pose little harm, Conlan said, but when they infest homes and garages, accumulated urine and feces can lead to exposure by inhalation. 

Infestations should be taken care of immediately. Patch up holes larger than a dime to keep rodents out of your house, garage, shed and other structures.

How to Clean Up and Avoid Hantavirus

• Do not sweep or vaccum to pick up dropping
• Use wet cleaning methods like bleach and a mop. Use rubber gloves.
• Spray a 10 percent bleach solution (2 tablespoons bleach to 1 cup of water), or other full strength disinfectant onto dead rodents, rodent droppings, nests, contaminated traps, and surrounding areas and let the disinfectant stand for at least 15 minutes before cleaning. Clean with a sponge or a mop. 
• Put disinfected rodents and debris into two plastic bags, seal them and throw it in the trash.
• Wash gloves in a bleach solution, then soap and water and dispose of them using the same double-bag method. Thoroughly wash your bare hands with soap and water.