Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – What To Watch Out For

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a disease that was discovered in November of 1993 when a sudden outbreak of Hantavirus occurred in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. During the Hantavirus outbreak, many previously healthy people suddenly became ill with acute respiratory symptoms, which resulted in death for half of those that were affected. After months of research by the Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, it was discovered that deer mice were carrying a different strain of Hantavirus.

Deer mice can be a problem pest for New Jersey residents as they can often be found to be living in close contact with humans. Deer mice can be found living in homeowner’s gardens or neighboring fields. These disease ridden rodents will not hesitate to invade human living quarters at any time of year as they are always in search of a good food and water source as well as shelter opportunities.

Humans may contract Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) when they inadvertently come in contact with Hantavirus which is transmitted via mice or rat urine, saliva, or feces. Symptoms of the disease include fatigue, fever and muscle aches that occur in thighs, hips, back and shoulders. Some people also report dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and abdominal pain. Many times this dangerous disease is contracted and mistaken for influenza as the symptoms are similar.

No types of the Hantaviruses can be transmitted from person to person, only via rats and mice. Preventing the transmission of Hantavirus and contracting the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is critical. You can lessen your chances of encountering deer mice in New Jersey if you hire a licensed NJ pest control professional that is trained in the trapping, removal, and exclusion of dangerous rodents. Call Allison Pest Control for expert NJ mice and rat eradication and related services!