Safety Tip of the Week – Hantavirus Safety

Hantavirus infection is caused by a virus that is found in some field rodents, especially deer mice in the United States. The virus is rarely transmitted to people; when it is, the virus can cause severe illness—even death.

Symptoms of Hantavirus:

When infection occurs, symptoms may appear 1 to 6 weeks after exposure to rodents or their droppings. Beginning symptoms include:

§ Severe muscle aches;
§ Chills and fever;
§ Headache or dizziness;
§ Difficulty breathing or coughing;
§ Respiratory problems or failure;
§ Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain; and § Low blood pressure

People experiencing these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.

Treatment:

There is no treatment or vaccine for hantavirus. Medical care can help reduce the symptoms while the infected person is recovering.

Make it your mission…not to live in unsafe condition!!