SALT LAKE CITY — With warmer weather prompting many to embark on spring cleaning, health officials in Utah are raising awareness about hantavirus, a serious illness transmitted through the droppings, urine, and saliva of rodents. As people begin to clean out sheds, cabins, and other areas where rodents may have been present, officials are urging caution to prevent potential exposure.
According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, the risk of contracting hantavirus increases when dust from rodent-infested areas becomes airborne. Although reported cases of hantavirus in Utah are infrequent—typically one or two cases per year—the disease carries a high mortality rate, claiming around 60% of those infected.
Symptoms of hantavirus include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and can escalate to more severe respiratory issues such as coughing and shortness of breath, indicating possible fluid accumulation in the lungs. Kacy Nowak, an epidemiologist with the department, emphasized the importance of taking precautions while working in spaces that may harbor rodents.
“Be sure to take proper safety measures in areas where rodents have left droppings or nests. Use a disinfectant spray on these areas and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before cleaning,” Nowak advised. This practice not only helps eliminate the virus but also significantly reduces health risks.
Health officials recommend various strategies to minimize hantavirus exposure, such as airing out enclosed spaces before entering and avoiding sweeping up droppings, which could stir up dust. Instead, people should opt for trapping mice, keeping pet food secured, sealing entry points in homes, and removing debris that could attract rodents.
When dealing with rodent infestations, wearing rubber or plastic gloves is crucial, along with thorough handwashing afterward. Officials suggest soaking urine, droppings, and nests in bleach or disinfectant before cleanup and discarding used cleaning towels in a sealed container. A final disinfecting of the area is also advised after the initial clean-up.
The announcement comes in the wake of recent reports regarding a notorious case involving Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, who likely succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome earlier this month in their Santa Fe home. Meanwhile, Hackman is reported to have faced health challenges of his own, including heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
As spring cleaning continues, Utahns are reminded to stay vigilant and informed about the risks associated with hantavirus. Taking simple yet proactive measures can effectively safeguard health in the midst of seasonal cleanup activities.