As we reach double digit day time highs in Humboldt and the region, many people are starting to get that spring cleaning itch.

Whether it's heading to the cabin, or a trailer that's been parked for the long winter season or if it's back yard sheds or out buildings on the farm, healthcare professionals are warning the public about the threats of hantivirus. 

Hantivirus is a potentially fatal lung condition brought on from exposure to infected mice.

"We do this every spring just to remind everyone that whenever we are doing all these spring chores just to make sure we take reasonable precautions in terms of preventing hantivirus," explained the province's Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr, Saqib Shahab. "What that basically means is that before you go into a shed or cabin that's been closed for the winter open the doors and windows and let the whole place ventilate."

Hantavirus infection is passed on by breathing in particles from infected deer mouse droppings, urine or saliva.

"If you have to work in an enclosed environment like a grain elevator where there could have been rodent infestation that you are cleaning up do you high level precautions," Shahab added. 

He suggested a mask, goggles and gloves.

Hantavirus infections are rare, with only 31 serious cases reported in Saskatchewan since 1994, however 10 of which resulted in death.