Hantavirus Infected Rodents Found in South Chula Vista

Two rodents found in traps last week tested positive for hantavirus, County Health Department officials announced Thursday.

A total 45 rodents have been found in routinely monitored traps this year in comparison to 21 in 2010. 

An infected deer mouse and vole were found in south Chula Vista, said Supervising Vector Ecologist Chris Conlan.

"It doesn't matter if you're in the East County or around the beach," he said "whether you live in a suburban area or near an undeveloped lot you probably have deer mice in the area."

Infected rodents in the wild pose little risk for example if you're hiking or riding your bike, officials said.

However when rodents infest homes and garages, people can contract hantavirus by inhaling dust particles from droppings, urine concentrations and nesting materials that contain the virus. 

"You need to take steps to prevent rodents especially mice and rats, then you've gone a huge way to preventing infection," Conlan said. 

There is no treatment, vaccine or cure for hantavirus infections, which are deadly in 38 percent of cases. 

How to Clean Up and Avoid Hantavirus

• Don't sweep or vaccum to pick up dropping
• Use wet cleaning methods like bleach and a mop. Use rubber gloves.
• Spray a 10 percent bleach solution (2 tablespoons bleach to 1 cup of water), or other full strength disinfectant onto dead rodents, rodent droppings, nests, contaminated traps, and surrounding areas and let the disinfectant stand for at least 15 minutes before cleaning. Clean with a sponge or a mop. 
• Put disinfected rodents and debris into two plastic bags, seal them and throw it in the trash.
• Wash gloves in a bleach solution, then soap and water and dispose of them using the same double-bag method. Thoroughly wash your bare hands with soap and water. 

For more information contact the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health.