There is more than just COVID-19 you need to be aware of.

The Hantavirus is a rare but serious illness that contracts flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath. Exposure to hantavirus can cause a rare but often fatal disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS can progress rapidly into serious complications. 

It's important to be aware of the illness when cleaning out sheds, barns, ventilation systems, etc. because the virus is contracted through breathing in air particles contaminated by deer mouse saliva, urine, or feces containing the infectious Hantaviruses. The virus is also transmitted after being bitten a deer mouse or infected rodent and eating food contaminated by infected deer mouse saliva, urine, or droppings. It is extremely rare to spread the Hantavirus from person to person.

Since 1994, there have been 35 total cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome reported in Saskatchewan. Eleven of those cases have resulted in death due to an abnormal fall in blood pressure, lungs filling with fluid, and severe respiratory failure. 

To prevent the risk of Hantavirus, avoid contact with rodents, and contaminated air-born particles. When cleaning a rodent-infested area, be sure to wear gloves, a mask, and goggles while using wet mopping methods and ventilating the building by opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.

For more on Hantavirus from the Government of Saskatchewan, click here.