The State Health Department is reporting that someone contracted Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome while visiting Vermont last month.
The out-of-state resident who became ill was most likely exposed to mice droppings while cleaning up a seasonal home. The person, who was not named, has since recovered.
Hantavirus is a serious respiratory disease that causes fatigue, fever, headaches, muscle aches, coughing and shortness of breath. Roughly one third of people who get the virus die from it.
State Epidemiologist Erica Berl says it’s unusual for Hantavirus to be reported in this part of the country, but not unheard of. Vermont’s last reported case was in 2000.
Berl says most people are infected by breathing in dust contaminated with rodent droppings. For those who plan to sweep out a garage or tool shed, or open up a hunting camp or trailer that’s been closed for a while, Berl recommends airing the area out for half an hour before entering.
“And if you do have an infestation," Berl says, "you want to be careful when you clean up the droppings or any nesting material.”
Berl advises using a dilute bleach solution and moistening the area before cleaning, to reduce dust.