As warmer weather returns and many North Shore residents begin opening garages, sheds, cottages and storage spaces that sat closed all winter, health experts are reminding Canadians about a rare but potentially deadly disease linked to rodents: hantavirus.
The virus has recently returned to international headlines following a suspected outbreak linked to a cruise ship near the South Atlantic, where several deaths were reported. While cases remain uncommon in Canada, public health officials say awareness and prevention are essential because hantavirus infections can become severe very quickly.
Hantavirus is primarily spread through contact with infected rodents, especially deer mice, which are found across much of Canada. The virus is not usually transmitted directly between people. Instead, humans become infected after inhaling tiny airborne particles from rodent urine, saliva or droppings.
That means activities many North Shore homeowners consider routine, cleaning a garage, opening a cottage, sweeping a shed, or clearing out a basement, can become dangerous if rodent contamination is present.
Health Canada warns that one of the biggest mistakes people make is sweeping or vacuuming mouse droppings. Doing so can launch virus particles into the air where they may be inhaled. Instead, contaminated areas should first be sprayed thoroughly with disinfectant or a bleach solution and left wet for at least 10 minutes before cleanup begins.
Early symptoms of hantavirus infection often resemble the flu. Patients may experience fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea and dizziness. In more severe cases, the illness can suddenly progress into serious respiratory distress, causing coughing and difficulty breathing as fluid accumulates in the lungs.
The North American strain is associated with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, or HPS, a disease with a fatality rate estimated between 30 and 38 percent in severe cases.
There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment. Doctors focus on supportive care and breathing assistance, which makes early medical attention extremely important.
Experts say residents should watch for signs of rodent activity including droppings, shredded nesting materials, gnawed food packaging and strong ammonia-like odours.
Preventing rodents from entering homes remains the best protection. Public health agencies recommend sealing cracks and openings, storing food in rodent-proof containers, removing clutter and keeping woodpiles away from buildings.
People cleaning cabins, garages or sheds after long periods of closure should ventilate the space first and wear gloves. In heavily contaminated areas, experts recommend a high-filtration mask such as an N95 or HEPA respirator.
Although hantavirus infections are rare, health officials stress that awareness is critical because the disease can escalate rapidly. A few mouse droppings in a forgotten corner may seem harmless, but improper cleanup can create a serious health risk.
