SHA warns of hantavirus ahead of spring cleaning

Spring cleaning is in the air, but hantavirus might be too.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is warning people about hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal illness.

Hantavirus infection is caused by breathing in contaminated airborne particles from droppings, urine or saliva of infected deer mice.

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In a statement from the SHA, it is reminding people to check for droppings before doing a major spring clean of any outside building, like a shed or unoccupied dwellings, like cabins.

“Anyone cleaning storage sheds or recreational vehicles that have been sitting all winter should be aware and take precautions against Hantavirus,” said Dr. David Torr, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Medical Health Office.

“The virus is airborne, so it is important that if you find evidence of mice or rodent infestation, to wear a mask and gloves when cleaning and most importantly, wet down all surfaces before sweeping or cleaning to prevent the inhalation of airborne particles.”

When the contaminated particles are inhaled, it can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe lung condition that can be fatal.

Farmers, grain handlers, cottagers and homeowners are more likely to be exposed to the virus.

According to the SHA, Hantavirus infections are rare but serious. Between 1994 and 2024, 38 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome were reported in Saskatchewan; 13 of those cases were fatal.

The SHA recommends taking the following precautions when evidence of rodent infestation is found while cleaning:

• Ventilate the building by opening doors and windows, and leave the area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.
• Avoid using dry cleaning methods like dusting, sweeping, vacuuming or air-hosing.
• Use wet mopping methods.
• Wear rubber or plastic gloves, goggles and a well-fitting N95-type filter mask; an industrial N95 mask is recommended.
• Dampen areas with bleach disinfectant and remove droppings with a damp mop or cloth.
• Steam clean, shampoo or spray upholstered furniture with detergent, disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water.
• Wash exposed clothes and bedding with detergent in hot water.

Symptoms of hantavirus usually start within one to six weeks of exposure and include fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Seek medical attention immediately if you have a cough, fever and or shortness or breath.

To minimize the presence of all rodents, the SHA recommends:

• Reduce the availability of food sources or nesting materials.
• Prevent rodents from entering your home or other buildings.
• Store human and animal food, water and garbage in pest-resistant containers.
• Move woodpiles or other potential hiding places for mice away from your home.

Hantavirus is the same disease that killed Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, in February of 2025.