 Overview
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) has been recognized as
a disease only recently in North America. So far, it's also fairly
uncommon and the chances of becoming infected are low. However, HPS is
potentially deadly and immediate intensive care is essential once symptoms
appear.
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| You
can become infected by exposure to rodent droppings, and in dry climates by breathing
dust contaminated with the virus. |
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This virus is carried by rodents,
especially the deer mouse. The first signs of
sickness (especially fever and muscle aches) appear 1 to 5 weeks later, followed
by shortness of breath and coughing. Once this phase begins, the disease
progresses rapidly, necessitating hospitalization and often ventilation
within 24 hours. |
| Prevention is the best strategy, and it simply means
taking some very practical steps to minimize your contact with rodents.
HPS is not contagious from person to person in the United States. |
 Precautions
Persons who work outdoors or do outdoor activities such as camping or
hiking in areas where the disease has been reported should take precautions to
reduce the likelihood of their exposure to potentially infectious materials.
Tips:
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Avoid breathing dust.
It may be contaminated with the virus. This can be especially
hazardous in an
abandoned mine.
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Do
not sleep on the bare ground. Use a cot with its sleeping
surface at least 12 inches above the ground. Use tents with
floors or an oversized ground cloth if sleeping in the open air.
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Avoid coming into contact
with rodents and rodent burrows or disturbing dens (such as pack rat
nests).
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Air out, then disinfect
cabins or shelters before using them. These places often shelter rodents.
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Do not pitch tents or
place sleeping bags near rodent droppings or burrows,
or near areas that may shelter rodents or provide food for them (e.g.,
garbage dumps or woodpiles).
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Keep food in rodent-proof
containers!
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Use only bottled water or
water that has been disinfected by filtration, boiling, chlorination, or
iodination for drinking, cooking, washing dishes, and brushing teeth.
-
Do not play with or
handle any rodents that show up at the camping or hiking site, even if
they appear friendly.
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