As summer weather begins to make an appearance, you may be dusting off outdoor gear and readying campers and cabins for summer outings. Unfortunately, you may also be increasing your risk of exposure to hantavirus. Hantavirus is commonly found in Montana rodents, especially deer mice, and can cause a severe respiratory illness called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). While HPS is relatively rare, Montana has reported 46 cases since recognition of the disease in 1993. These cases include a Jefferson County resident who recovered after hospitalization. However, eleven of Montana’s 46 cases resulted in death and almost all required hospitalization. When adjusting for population, Montana ranks second in the US with a higher number of cases than every other state except for New Mexico.
Studies have shown that deer mice are the most common, but not the only rodent host of the virus, and are well dispersed throughout Montana. People can become infected with hantavirus when saliva, urine, or droppings from an infected rodent are stirred up and inhaled. It is important to avoid activities
that raise dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming, if there are signs of rodents in the area. The key to reducing risk of HPS is to avoid exposures to rodents, their droppings, nests and any activities that could lead to inhalation of the virus.
