A mouse trapped in Carlsbad has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus
The wild harvest mouse was living near Agua Hedionda Lagoon, a popular site for outdoor
activities like kayaking and hiking.
The San Diego Department of Environmental Health announced the positive test result as a way
to warn residents about the threat of rodent activity in the Carlsbad area.
Hantavirus is a group of viruses that infect rodents and can be deadly to humans if rodent
dropping or dried rodent urine is broken up and allowed to become airborne. This can happen
when cleaning or sweeping up places where infected mice have nested. Once airborne, people
can breathe in the small airborne particles infecting themselves.
It’s rare for humans to contract hantavirus as long as wild rodents stay in the wild and don’t get
into garages, sheds, and homes , said health officials.
Here’s how you can protect yourself, according to San Diego health officials:
? Seal up all external holes in homes, garages and sheds larger than a dime to keep rodents
from getting in.
? Eliminate rodent infestations immediately.
? Avoid rodent-infested areas and don’t stir up dust or materials that may be contaminated
with rodent droppings, saliva and urine.
? Clean up rodent droppings and urine using a wet cleaning method.
? Get and maintain a rodent population control service on your property.
Carlsbad Ca. If you are looking to control rats and mice in and/or around your home give us a
call at 760-504-5340
