Hantavirus causes death of Saskatchewan resident, Report

A southern Saskatchewan adult is dead after contracting antavirus, the health ministry announced Tuesday.

A rare, yet potentially fatal illness, the hantavirus is transmitted by breathing in contaminated airborne particles from the urine, saliva and droppings of infected deer mice.

“This is the time of year where people are going through their cottages and cabins, and cleaning them out and may be exposed,” said Deputy Medical Health Officer Dr. Denise Werker.

People are being asked to make sure to ventilate places where there could be deer mice, such as campers, sheds or barns before trying to clean them. When cleaning, dampen the area before bleaching or mopping. Werker says to avoid using dry methods of cleaning such as sweeping or dusting.

In cases with severe infestations, Werker says it’s a good idea to put on a mask.

It can take between one and six weeks for symptoms to show once a person is exposed.

“So basically, you get the flu that’s not getting better, and then you start feeling short of break and you need to get yourself to a hospital very quickly,” said Werker.

There have been 27 reported cases of Hantavirus since 1994, nine of which have been deadly.

Agencies/Canadajournal