« Visit Fantastic Pest Control
Fantastic Pest control
  • CALL NOW
  • Explore by Category
    • S.T.O.P the Pest
    • Did You Crawl?
    • Local Buzz
    • Pest Peeves
    • Fun with Bugs
  • Subscribe
  • Write for Us
Be the first to get fantastic pest control tips! Curious bug facts, best ways to deal with pests and even special deals. No, Thanks
Home » Rodents and Hantavirus: Causes, Prevention, and Symptoms

Rodents and Hantavirus: Causes, Prevention, and Symptoms

April 3rd, 2017 Fantastic Team S.T.O.P the Pest
Post Views: 24,777
mouse carrying hantavirus

Hantaviruses are dangerous infections that are exclusively transmitted by rodents, mice and rats in particular. These viruses are believed to have co-existed along rodents for several thousand years, which is why the animals have built an immunity against the disease.

Even though there are not that many cases of people in the UK who have contracted the virus, the health complications it causes are often painful and may even result in death. That is why it is very important for us to know what a hantavirus infection is, how to stop it from occurring, and how to recognise its symptoms should we fall ill as well.


Table of Contents

  • Origins of the infection: What is a hantavirus?
    • Where do hantavirus infections come from?
    • How do humans contract hantaviruses
    • What diseases does the infection cause?
  • Identifying the threat: Symptoms of a hantavirus infection
    • What are the symptoms of the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) disease?
    • What are the symptoms of the hemorrhagic fever with renal disease?
  • Avoiding the Infection: Preventive Measures
    • What can you do to avoid a hantavirus infection?
    • What if the rodents have already entered your property?
    • What can you do if you become infected with the virus?

Origins of the infection: What is a hantavirus?


Where do hantavirus infections come from?

It is hard to trace the exact origin of the infection as it is present in many countries worldwide. Several studies, however, have concluded that each type of hantavirus prefers a particular rodent species.

The deadly Sin Nombre virus, for example, is almost always transmitted by deer mouse droppings or urine. Similarly, there are other virus variations that are carried by cotton, rice, white-footed, and red-backed mice, all of which don’t show any visible signs of the disease.

How do humans contract hantaviruses

The infection is spread via direct or indirect exposure to mouse droppings, saliva, or rodent urine. The first method involves touching the object or eating contaminated food, and the second is much more widespread as it involves the inhalation of virus particles.

There is a third way of contracting the virus, although such cases are extremely rare – receiving a bite by an infected rodent. It is important to note that no other known variety of the infection, with the exception of the Andes hantavirus, can be transmitted from one person to another.

What diseases does the infection cause?

Each hantavirus variety is responsible for a different disease, but there are two common types that stand out. The hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (North & South America) is a severe lung disease that often leads to fatal consequences.

The hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (Europe & Asia) is another dangerous mice droppings disease that can cause kidney failure.


Identifying the threat: Symptoms of a hantavirus infection


What are the symptoms of the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) disease?

The symptoms of this hantavirus in humans appear in 1 to 6 weeks after contracting the infection. Once the virus has been transmitted, the affected person:

  • Feels tired and dizzy;
  • Experiences fever, chills, and muscle aches;
  • May have nausea, abdominal pain, or a heavy cough;

At the later stages of the infection, the individual may also have significant difficulty breathing due to the fluid buildup in the lungs – a medical condition, known as pulmonary edema that can quickly claim a person’s life if not treated in time.

What are the symptoms of the hemorrhagic fever with renal disease?

The symptoms of the second most popular disease from mouse droppings will usually reveal themselves in 1 to 2 weeks after exposure and include:

  • Intense headaches, back and stomach pain;
  • Fever, chills, nausea, reddened eyes;
  • Rashes, blurred vision, low blood pressure;

In extreme scenarios, the virus may even be able to cause internal bleeding.


Avoiding the Infection: Preventive Measures


What can you do to avoid a hantavirus infection?

The chances of getting hantavirus in the UK are quite slim and there is no available vaccine as of yet. Thus, it always pays off to take some safety precautions to protect yourself and your family from harm. Here is what you can do to accomplish this:

  • Block off all potential rodent openings in your kitchen, living room, attic, etc.
  • Create a habit of storing your food, water, and litter in containers with tightly sealed lids.
  • If you have a yard or a garden, make sure that it is tidy all year round to deny mice or rats easy access to your property.

What if the rodents have already entered your property?

If you suspect that your home or workplace is infested, stock up on some mouse traps and place them around the building. Should you encounter any mice droppings, DO NOT sweep or vacuum them away as this will stir up infectious dust! Instead, don a pair of rubber or plastic gloves and get a mask that has a HEPA or an N-100 filter. Cheap painters’ masks are a no-go.

  • To safely clean an enclosed area, open the windows for about 30 minutes first.
  • Thoroughly spray all feces, dead rodents, and surfaces with a mixture of a commercial disinfectant and 10% chlorine solution (1 ½ cup of chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of water).
  • Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you take off your gloves.

Check also:

Whose is the responsibility for pest treatment in a rental property?

What can you do if you become infected with the virus?

Immediately seek medical attention! When you arrive at your local hospital, make sure to mention that you have had contact with mouse droppings or urine and describe the symptoms in as much detail as possible.

Your medical practitioner will then take blood tests to confirm your suspicions and you may receive respiratory and/or blood pressure support, depending on your condition. Remember that the fatal outcome can be easily avoided if you seek treatment in time.

Are you dealing with a pest infestation?

You don't have to be alone in the battle against pests. Hire a professional pest expert!

Call us
Trustpilot
Spread this knowledge with your friends!
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Buffer this page
Buffer
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Reddit

mice rats

Sign Me Up for Fresh Updates I want to have fantastic stories delivered straight to my inbox for free.

Be the first to get fantastic pest control tips! Curious bug facts, best ways to deal with pests and even special deals. No, Thanks

Leave a Reply

« Previous post Next post »
  • Top posts

    • how to keep rats away from the garden How to Keep Rats Away fro... Rats are one of the difficult pests to deal with and th...
    • horsefly bloodsucking vampire how to deal with it How to Get Rid of Horsefl... So, you've built a pool just in time for summer. But wh...
    • How To Avoid Cockroaches When Moving How To Avoid Cockroaches... Moving out of a cockroach-infested home and wanting to...
    • holes on wood furniture made by wood boring beetles Stop the Woodworm Infesta... Image by: allispossible.org.uk / License: BY 2.0 Altho...
    • Dispose of a Dead Rat in... This may be an unpleasant and gruesome topic but, at so...
  • Categories

    Did You Crawl? Did You Crawl? Fun with Bugs Fun with Bugs Local Buzz Local Buzz Pest Peeves Pest Peeves S.T.O.P the Pest S.T.O.P the Pest
  • ants bed bugs bees carpet beetles cockroaches comics dust mites fleas flies FPC team guide holidays how to infestation infographic list mice mosquitoes moths pests pets pigeons quiz rats spiders squirrels wasps woodworm

  • NEED PEST CONTROL?

    Your Fantastic Pest Controller will be happy to help you!

    Call now

  • Follow Us

    Follows
    • Facebook
      14.1k Followers
    • Pinterest
      1.5k Followers
    • Instagram
      4k Followers
Useful Links
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Write for us
  • Contact us
  • Disclaimer
Categories
  • S.T.O.P the Pest
  • Did you crawl?
  • Local Buzz
  • Pest Peeves
  • Fun with bugs
Handyman Franchise

Tooley Street, London SE1 2TH

+442037460579

  • App Store
  • Google Play
  • HUAWEI AppGallery
© 2013 - 2022 fantasticpestcontrol.co.uk All rights reserved
  • T&C
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy

Need help?

X
  • You have a very specific pest question? Let us give you a pro answear.

    All fields marked with an asterisk (*) need to be filled.

  • You can upload images and files up to 10MB each and 1 video up to 10 seconds.

    0/10 uploaded

    Drag files to upload or

    All your files have been successfully uploaded
    Upload is in progress please wait ...
    0/10 uploaded

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
  • https://www.facebook.com/FantasticServicesUK/
  • https://twitter.com/FanPestControl
  • https://www.pinterest.com/GoFantastic/