As temperatures rise and people engage in more outdoor activities, it’s important to be aware of the possible risks of animal-borne illnesses, says the Plumas County Public Health Agency. Hantavirus and rabies are two such illnesses that can pose serious health threats to humans. “By staying informed and practicing simple preventive measures, we can reduce the risk of hantavirus and rabies transmission in our communities,” says PCPHA.
Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a potentially deadly virus passed to humans mainly through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. Humans catch it by breathing the air near the infected droppings of deer mice who have nested in an enclosed space, often over the winter. Sheds, cabins and even camp trailers can harbor these mice and the hantavirus they carry.
Symptoms of hantavirus infection may include fever, muscle aches, fatigue and respiratory problems. In severe cases, it can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness with a high death rate.
Public health suggests the following procedure for cleaning an area with rodent nests or droppings:
- Air out the area for a couple of hours.
- Use gloves and masks when cleaning the area. Do not sweep or vacuum.
- Spray the droppings or nest until wet with a 10% household bleach solution, using 1 cup of bleach for 1 gallon of water.
- Clean with paper towels and dispose in a garbage bag, which must be tied shut.
More information regarding hantavirus is available on the California Department of Public Health hantavirus website.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is usually passed from animal to human through the bite of an infected animal. While it can infect any mammal, including humans, it is most commonly associated with dogs, bats, raccoons and foxes.
Warmer weather often means more outdoor activities, increasing the chances of encounters with potentially rabid animals. Public health says it’s important to be aware, especially around wildlife, and to ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends the following for those who find a bat in their home:
- Call a professional exterminator.
- Open all windows and doors, turn off lights if at night and allow the bat to find its way out.
- Use a do-it-yourself bat removal method by donning thick work gloves, since bats can easily bite through single and double layers of cotton; containing the bat in a room by closing windows and doors, away from children and pets; and using a sturdy container, such as a shoebox, to gently trap the bat, slowly placing the container over the bat and slipping the lid/cardboard under the opening.
Symptoms of rabies in humans may initially include fever and headache. As the disease progresses, it can lead to hallucinations, paralysis and ultimately death.
Public health recommends the following to prevent rabies:
- Vaccinate pets against rabies and keep their vaccinations up to date.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals, especially if they appear sick or behave strangely.
- If bitten by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
More information regarding rabies is available on the Plumas County vector and rabies control website.