Protect yourself against hantavirus, province says

Provincial health officials say people need to take extra precautions to avoid the potentially fatal hantavirus. People are at particular risk of the virus when cleaning areas frequented by mice.

People are most often exposed to it when cleaning up a cottage, garage or granary after it has been closed up for the season.

Even a combine or an old vehicle may have deer mouse droppings inside it.Experts saythe area should be ventilated for at least half an hour before cleaning.

It's also a good idea todampen and wet mop the area to avoid stirring up drydust.

According to the province,exposure to hantaviruscan also be reduced by:

• Blocking openings that might allow rodents to enter a building;
• Storing human and animal food, water and garbage in containers with tightly-fitted lids; and
• Moving woodpiles or other potential hiding places for mice away from your home.

In the past two decades, 10 people in Saskatchewanhave died after being exposed to hantavirus.