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Worried about hantavirus? Take precautions when opening cottages, sheds, PHAC expert advises
Abell says rodent droppings and nesting material can spread hantavirus, and Health Canada recommends gloves, disinfectant and a HEPA-filtered respirator.
- As the cottage season begins, Abell Pest Control is encouraging property owners to take precautions before spring cleaning. Aaron Soudant, Director of Service Excellence and Quality Assurance at Abell, noted many Canadians are unaware that hantavirus is a potential risk.
- Rodents often seek warm, sheltered environments during winter, making cottages, cabins, and sheds attractive nesting locations. By spring, vacant properties may contain signs of rodent activity, including dark droppings along walls, cupboards, or drawers, and shredded nesting materials.
- If signs of rodent activity are present, Health Canada recommends wearing rubber gloves and using a HEPA-filtered respirator in confined spaces. Droppings should be sprayed with a bleach solution and allowed to soak for at least 10 minutes before cleaning.
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is rare in Canada, with about 30 per cent mortality, according to the World Health Organization. Symptoms often begin with tiredness or fever, progressing to respiratory distress and requiring supportive care including ventilators.
- While the Andes virus is the only type known to spread human-to-human, David Safronetz, chief of special pathogens at the National Microbiology Laboratory, said Canadians should focus on the Sin Nombre virus. Monitoring for symptoms is critical, Safronetz said.
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The Toronto Star+10 Reposted by 10 other sources
Worried about hantavirus? Take precautions when opening cottages, sheds, PHAC expert advises
TORONTO - Before the world's attention was captured by a disease outbreak that has killed three and sickened a handful of others on the MV Hondius cruise ship, many Canadians
·Toronto, Canada
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Leaning Left9Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution82% Left
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C 18%
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