What exactly is hantavirus? A rare but serious virus that can become threatening when left untreated, hantavirus is one of the most talked about topics in the medical realm in 2018.
If not treated immediately, hantavirus can become Hantavirus Pulmonary Disease or HPS. Although the exact incubation time is yet known, experts say it may develop into a fatal disease within 1 to 8 weeks after exposure to an infected rodent’s dropping, saliva, or urine.
Where Hantavirus Comes From
This virus is primarily carried by rodents. They are transmitted to man through droppings, saliva, or urine. Sometimes, they can also be carried via air because they can be breathed in.
The Symptoms of Hantavirus
The early symptoms of hantavirus include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, particularly in the larger muscle areas, such as the back, hips, thighs, and shoulders. In rare occasions, these symptoms are accompanied by chills, headaches, dizziness, and other abdominal issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Within 4 to 10 days, more symptoms appear. Shortness of breath and coughing are among them.
How to Prevent Hantavirus
When Springtime begins, health officials often remind people about the risks that hantavirus bring, especially in areas that are often infested by rodents. If ever you reside in any rodent-infested area, here are the things you have to do:
1. Seal up any Outstanding Holes.
Do you want to keep your home rodent-free? You should probably start sealing up the holes and gaps in your homes. Block any openings that can be used by rodents as an entry point.
If there are any wire or pipelines, inspect them. They can be used by these pesky critters as passageways. To prevent access, use metal rodent guards.
In addition, make sure the windows and doors are properly closed. Do not leave any opening in between because rodents might just slip in without you knowing. If ever there are any gaps, you can use metal kick plates.
2. Set up Rodent Traps.
They may be small, but the thought of sharing your home with a few rodents is just so unsettling. Fortunately, thanks to technology, there are plenty of mouse trap solutions to keep rats and mice at bay.
To catch that mouse, you can use trap baits, such as small slices of hotdog, maple syrup, bacon bits, and peanut butter. You can also use pet food, nuts, or soft cheese.
3. Clean up Your Surroundings.
One of the most effective ways to deter rodents is to rodent-proof your home. To do that, maintain cleanliness at all times, especially in the areas where you store foods.
If possible, avoid piling up things. These places appear enticing to rodents that they tend to build their homes there. Finally, always seal garbage bags and bins. Dispose them properly and maintain sanitation and hygiene.
Conclusion
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening illness. It can infect anyone, anytime. Nobody is exempted. So, do everything to avoid this.
If you think the rodents in your area are uncontrollable, call the experts like Markham Wildlife Removal before it’s too late.
