PUBLIC HEALTH
Following news of a high profile Hantavirus death recently, we've put together some information on the virus and how good pest management can help stop it spreading.
It was reported in February that Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in New Mexico, US.
It was later found that Ms Arakawa had died after contracting Hantavirus (followed by her husband's passing around a week later, although allegedly not from the same illness).
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a potentially deadly virus that primarily spreads to humans through exposure to rodents (such as rats or mice) and their droppings or urine.
Hantavirus symptoms typically develop within one to eight weeks of exposure and resemble flu-like illness in the early stages. These symptoms include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches (especially in the thighs, hips, and back)
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting.
While relatively rare, infections can lead to severe respiratory illnesses, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which has a high mortality rate. This condition results in fluid accumulation in the lungs and can quickly become life-threatening without medical intervention.
How hantavirus spreads
Understanding how hantavirus spreads and the importance of rodent control is crucial in preventing outbreaks and safeguarding public health.
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with infected rodents. The primary modes of transmission include:
- Airborne particles
When rodent urine, droppings, or saliva dry out, the virus can become airborne. Inhaling these contaminated particles is the most common way humans contract hantavirus
- Direct contact
Handling rodents, their nests, or contaminated materials can lead to infection, especially if an individual touches their eyes, nose, or mouth afterward
- Bites from infected rodents
Though rare, direct bites from infected rodents can transmit the virus
- Food or water contamination
Eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with rodent excretions can also lead to infection.
How good rodent control can help prevent hantavirus
One thing that we want to address is this idea that it seems improbable that Hackman and his wife had a pest problem, due to their apparent wealth and the size of their property.
Fact: pests don't discriminate. They will enter any property they believe has a good food source and harbourage, whether that's a terraced house in England or a mansion in Santa Fe.
Since rodents are the primary carriers of hantavirus, controlling their populations and minimising human exposure to them is essential.
Sealing entry points
Rodents can squeeze through tiny openings. It's estimated that mice can squeeze through gaps around 6mm wide (roughly the diameter of the eraser end of a pencil).
Sealing gaps in walls, windows, and doors can prevent them from entering homes and workplaces.
You will need to search for any potential entry points and seal these up with wire wool embedded in quick-setting cement.
You should focus on low level gaps first as these are the most likely areas for mice to enter. You can then consider any higher up vents or gaps.
Check around pipes and windows, and double check the basement.
Housekeeping
Keeping food in sealed containers and cleaning up crumbs and spills reduces the risk of attracting rodents.
Cover any household waste where mice can get access to it, close dustbin lids and cover compost heaps.
Good hygiene practices won’t eliminate a mouse problem, but poor practices will attract them.
Removing nesting sites
Remove potential nesting sites by keeping gardens clean and tidy, cutting back overgrown areas and clearing any piles of wood/debris.
Get rid of any climbing plants that are growing up the side of your building, such as ivy. These are like a natural ladder for rodents, giving them a way of getting into your property.
Safe cleaning practices
When cleaning areas where rodents have been present, it's essential to wear gloves, a suitable mask, and use disinfectants. If you are sweeping up droppings, do not put them in your indoor bin.
For safe cleaning we also recommend spraying droppings with a biocide first, to reduce the possibility of airborne particulates. They should be damp, not soaking.
DIY rodent control
It is important to get rid of rats and mice quickly, as they are adaptable, highly mobile and breed rapidly - this combination can make rodent control a difficult task for the untrained individual.
For any rodent infestation, we would always recommend contacting a professional pest control company through BPCA.
They are trained in rodent control and will have access to a range of professional use rodenticides which are not available to the public.
If you decide to carry out the work yourself, then you can buy amateur use poisons and traps from a hardware store or garden centre. It is crucial that you read the label fully before use. The label is the law.
However, due to their habits, traditional baiting techniques and trapping frequently do not work, and a combination of rodenticides may be necessary.
It is common knowledge in the pest control industry that almost all house mouse populations in London (and possibly other cities) are resistant to traditional rodenticides.
Amateur use products are restricted and it is likely that you won't be able to purchase the necessary poison.
Use our online Find a pest controller tool to locate a qualified, fully insured pest control company in your area.
Find a pest controller
Hantavirus is a serious disease with potentially fatal consequences, but it is preventable.
Understanding how the virus spreads and implementing strong proactive pest management measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
SOURCES AND FURTHER READING
ecdc.europa.eu/en/hantavirus-infection/facts
doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/hantavirus#:~:text=Hantaviruses%20are%20a%20group%20of,Syndrome%20(HPS)%20in%20people
pestworld.org/pest-guide/rodents/deer-mice/
ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/hantavirus-infection-annual-epidemiological-report-2023
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4112321/#:~:text=Although%20widespread%20in%20Europe%2C%20there,cases%20in%20Scotland%20and%20England
gov.uk/guidance/hantaviruses
gov.uk/government/publications/hantavirus-infection-in-people-sero-surveillance-study-in-england
gov.uk/government/publications/hairs-risk-assessment-hantavirus
nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hantafaq.htm#:~:text=Approximately%2012%20percent%20of%20deer%20mice%20carry%20hantavirus
researchgate.net/figure/Annual-hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome-case-distribution-and-case-fatality-rate-Argentina_fig1_49649474