Which animals carry hantavirus

The fur is longer and coarser, grayish-brown, even grayish-black, in color. The cotton rat inhabits overgrown areas with shrubs and tall grasses. It inhabits overgrown areas with shrubs and tall grasses. The deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus is a deceptively cute animal, with big eyes and ears. Its head and body measure approximately 2—3 inches 5cm—7. In color, the deer mouse ranges from grey to reddish brown, depending on age.

The underbelly is always white and the tail has clearly defined white sides. The deer mouse is found throughout North America, preferring woodlands, but also appearing in desert areas. The rice rat Oryzomys palustris is slightly smaller than the cotton rat, with a 5—6 inch 7. It has short, soft, grayish-brown fur on top, and gray or tawny underbellies.

Their feet are whitish. The rice rat prefers marshy areas and is semi-aquatic. Rodents carrying hantavirus show no signs of clinical illness, although they remain chronically infected. Little is known about how this disease affects other animals. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for hantavirus in animals or humans. In the case of human disease, supportive care is provided. Rodent control is the main form of management for hantavirus. Rodents should be kept out of human dwellings, and people should avoid coming into contact with rodents, their nests, and their excrement.

To avoid this disease people should minimize contact with rodents by preventing rodent infestations. People who must work in areas where rodent nests exist must take precautions. It is especially important to provide adequate ventilation or wear personal protection such as safety glasses, masks, and gloves. It is also important to prevent stirring up rodent excrement when cleaning do not vacuum or sweep to clean up after rodents. Skip to main content.

Hantavirus NWDC is in the process of updating this fact sheet. Other names: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Cause There are many different species of rodent-borne hantaviruses that cause hemorrhagic fever in humans. Protect buildings from rodents by covering all holes in walls and setting traps. Fine gravel spread around the perimeter of livestock buildings will also discourage rodents. Keep buildings clean and protect food in sealed containers that are stored off the ground.

When cleaning up after rodents, work carefully to avoid inhaling the virus. When working in a rodent-infested building that has been closed for some time, open the building and let it air out. Spray dead rodents, feces and nests with disinfectant or bleach before cleaning. Wear a respirator, gloves and protective clothing, and spray areas with disinfectant before and after cleaning. Figure 2. Careful cleaning of areas inhabited by rodents will help prevent human infection.

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