Have rats or mice around the farm or ranch? Most of us have a few of these unwanted pests whether we are aware of it or not. Anyway, if you are setting traps to control these rodents, happen upon a dead one, or decide to clean out the old barn, the Texas Department of State Health Services has a few safety tips for you to consider before you reach for that rat.
Rodents shed this virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva. Texas has only had 37 cases of Hantavirus in the past 14 years, but precautions should be taken against exposure to this disease. Stirring up rodent droppings, liquids, or nesting materials can aerosol the virus, which places humans at risk for breathing it in through their lungs.
The following precautions are recommended when dealing with rats or mice: Seal openings that may allow rats and mice to enter homes or workplaces; remove brush, woodpiles, trash, and other items that may attract rats or mice; tightly close garbage cans, pet food containers, and other food sources; wear protective gloves to handle dead mice or rats or to clean up nesting areas, droppings, or urine; before clean-up inside a buildings, open windows and doors to ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes; do not stir up nests by sweeping or vacuuming, dampen areas before cleanup; and, use a disinfectant or a 1 part to 10 parts bleach-water mixture to clean up dead rodents, nests, urine, or droppings.
Early symptoms of Hantavirus infection include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. These symptoms may be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Later symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath. If Hantavirus is suspected, people should contact their health care provider immediately.
Leave a comment