Hantavirus Found Near Beaumont, Health Officials Warn

BEAUMONT, CA- Officials with the Riverside County Department of Public Health announced this week that several rodents recently collected near Beaumont have tested positive for hantavirus, which can lead to a fatal disease for humans.

According to the health department, 24 rodents were collected in total from San Timoteo Canyon in the Norton Younglove Preserve. Of those, ten tested positive for the virus.

"Riverside County Department of Environmental Health officials said that, to date, no documented human case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has ever originated within the county," officials said in a news release.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people become infected with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings. It can be difficult to spot infected rodents, as they don't show any signs of illness.

Health officials said residents can take the following steps to reduce their exposure to hantavirus:

• Ventilate affected areas for several hours before cleanup by opening doors and windows.
• Use rubber gloves.
• Apply a 10 percent solution of bleach or household disinfectant to contaminated surfaces and allow at least 15 minutes’ contact time before removal.
• Clean the affected area with a sponge or mop. DO NOT SWEEP OR VACUUM.
• Double-bag any dead rodents and clean-up materials (newspaper, paper towels, etc.) securely in plastic bags and seal.
• Before removing gloves, wash gloved hands in disinfectant or with soap and water.
• Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after removing gloves. Dispose of gloves and cleanup materials with other household waste

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