Hantavirus Hits Montana

The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed this week that a Ravalli county man has contracted Montana's first case of  Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in 2012. HPS is a severe respiratory disease that can be fatal. It follows a series of symptoms starting with fever and muscle ache which progress into coughing and shortness of breath. So far, it appears that the individual that contracted the disease will have a full recovery.

Deer Mice spread Hantavirus Although a very old disease, Hantavirus was only discovered by modern medical science in 1993. Since then, Montana has had 33 cases (with 9 deaths) making it second only to New Mexico as the State with the most cases of DHS per-capita.

The link below is an interview with Hantavirus expert Elton Mosher who works as a Surveillance Epidemiologist for the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.

As spring begins, the public is at an increased risk for HPS because of spring cleaning. When accessing storage sheds, crawlspaces and summer vehicles, be on the lookout for mouse droppings and any evidence that mice may be in the area. If you encounter dead mice or mice droppings do the following.

• Wear rubber or plastic gloves
• Thoroughly spray/soak area with a disinfectant or mixture of bleach and water to reduce dry dusty conditions in the area being cleaned
• Wipe or mop the area with a sponge or paper towel (throw away items after use)
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after removing gloves
• Never sweep or vacuum in these areas as this can stir up dust and aerosolize the droppings