Hantavirus warning issued by Scotts Bluff County Health Deartment

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – The recent death of one child from South Dakota and the hospitalization of another from hantavirus has prompted the Scotts Bluff County Health Department to urge caution when cleaning outdoor buildings like barns, outbuildings, and sheds.

Humans are most often exposed to hantavirus after cleaning areas infected by rodents. The respiratory virus is transmitted by breathing in contaminated airborne particles from the droppings, urine, and saliva of infected mice or rats. Exposure to the virus can also occur through rodent bites, if the skin is broken, or through ingestion.

Paulette Schnell, Community Health Nurse at Regional West Medical Center says "Hantavirus infection is a relatively rare but potentially fatal illness. She says people who develop fever, coughing and shortness of breath within one to six weeks of potential exposure should seek immediate medical attention."

Schnell recommended the following when cleaning areas where rodents might live:

· Open all doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.

· Wear gloves and a mask to protect from exposure.

· Avoid using vacuums or brooms that can stir up contaminated dust. Instead:

· Wet contaminated areas with a household disinfectant or bleach solution (1 ½ cups of bleach per gallon of water) and let soak for 15 minutes.

· Use a damp towel to clean up the material, then mop or sponge the area with bleach solution or household disinfectant.

Since 1993, there have been 587 total reported cases of hantavirus nationwide, with seven reported cases in Nebraska.

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