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Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a serious, life-threatening disease. Any work done in barns, sheds, attics, crawl spaces, summer housing, or storage spaces needs to be treated as taking place in a potential exposure area. About half of those exposed to it eventually die. There is no specific treatment for the disease. The initial diagnosis is difficult and treatment is only supportive so education and training of employees is very important.
Whether it is temporary housing for migrant laborers, an unused trailer, a basement, back office used for storage, or warehouse areas, workers can come into contact with the virus. Anyone entering an infected area becomes exposed to Hantavirus by inhaling dust after disturbing nests or breathing inside closed spaces inhabited by infected mice. The deer mouse is a major carrier of the hantavirus. The virus is spread through the deer mouse's urine, saliva, droppings, and nesting materials.
Exposed workers will normally show flu-like symptoms two to six weeks after initial contact. This may include fever, chills, and muscle aches. Others may have nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, coughing and shortness of breath, followed by respiratory distress. Eventually the lungs begin to fill with fluid. Workers should be trained in the potential dangers of this virus. They should be aware of how they may be exposed to it and how to recognize symptoms of the illness.
The Center for Disease Control recommends the following steps as a guideline for cleaning suspected hantavirus exposed areas.
- Open doors and windows before cleaning areas where rodents have been living. If possible, run a fan for at least a half-hour. Stay out of the area while the fan is working.
- When entering a suspected exposed area, wear appropriate protective clothing such as a respirator and latex rubber gloves. Then disinfect used gloves and clothing before storage or disposal of them.
- Use only wet methods for cleaning like sponges, or mops that have been dipped in a disinfectant solution of three tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water, or a strong household disinfectant.
- Wet-wipe all furniture, counter tops, cabinets, and drawers. Mop floors and baseboards. Do not vacuum, sweep, or dust. Steam-clean carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture. Wash any clothing or bedding in hot water and detergent.
- Thoroughly spray and saturate nesting areas and materials, or mice droppings and carcasses with disinfectant before moving them. Double bag all items prior to disposal.
- When finished, wash your hands and shower and be sure to wash all work clothes with soap and hot water.
As a preventative method, it's a good idea to rodent proof structures by sealing cracks and holes around doors and windows, pipes, vents, electrical and telephone wires, attics, roof lines, and the tops and bottoms of trailer skirts. Place baited snap traps in each structure or area and check them weekly for several weeks.
"Information or recommendations contained in these articles were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication. Information is only advisory and does not presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations."
The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied
upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate
only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.
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