Termite Inspection Orange County Termite Terry Pest Control

Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, South Orange County, Long Beach Area

Hantavirus Claims Three Lives In Yosemite

The National Park Service has announced that there were eight confirmed cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in visitors who stayed atCurryVillageinYosemiteNational Parksince June of this year. As of today, three of them have died.

Those who stayed in the Signature Cabins inCurryVillage, from mid-June through the end of August, have been contacted by park officials. They are being advised to seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms of HPS. Also being contacted are those who made reservations at the park’s High Sierra Camps this summer. That is because the eighth confirmed case camped and hiked in that area.

There is no known cure for the Hantavirus. This disease was first discovered in theU.S.in 1993. Since that time, there have been 602 reported cases of infection and 216 have died.

In theU.S., deer mice, cotton rats, rice rats and white-footed mice are the main reservoirs of the virus. Rodents shed the virus in their urine, droppings and saliva. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans when they breathe in air that is contaminated with the virus.

The Centers of Disease Control says that the disease may also be spread by rodent bites, when people touch something which has been contaminated and by eating contaminated food. The types of Hantavirus found in theU.S.cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

Rodent infestations, in and around homes, are the primary risk for Hantavirus exposure. Anyone who comes in contact with rodents that carry Hantavirus is at risk of becoming infected. It is very important that you avoid any actions which will stir up dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming.

Here are some potential risk activities for HPS:

  • Opening or cleaning cabins, sheds, barns, garages and storage facilities which have been unused for sometime.
  • Cleaning in or around a rodent infested home can put you at risk.
  • Construction, utility and pest control workers can be exposed if they work in attics, under homes or in vacant buildings with rodent infestations.
  • Campers and hikers may be exposed if they use an infested shelter on the trail or if they camp in a rodent inhabited area.

What Are The Signs & Symptoms For HPS?

Based on current information, symptoms may develop between 1 and 5 weeks after exposure to fresh urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents. Fatigue, fever and muscle aches are some of the early symptoms. About half of all HPS patients may also experience headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

The late symptoms of HPS appear about four to ten days after the initial phase of illness. These include coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid. HPS can be fatal and has a mortality rate of 38%. There is no cure for HPS.

How You Can Help Prevent Rodent Diseases In And Around Your Home Or Business:

  • Start by sealing all holes, inside and outside to prevent entry by rats and mice. Remember, a mouse only needs a hole of ¼ inch to gain access. Rats can crawl through holes the size of a dime!
  • You really need to clean up potential food sources and eliminate nesting sites which will attract rodents.
  • It is really important to clean up rat and mouse droppings. NOTE: Before rodent droppings are cleaned up, it is very important to treat these areas with a special virucide. Carefully remove contaminated material and dispose of it in accordance with local requirements.
  • Check for nesting materials where they might want to “hang out”.  Clean up these areas and throw out stuff like old clothing, rags, scrap carpet and clutter. NOTE: Use a special virucide. Carefully remove contaminated material and dispose of it in accordance with local requirements.
  • Look for evidence of gnawing and chewing on food packaging or on your structures. If you see this happening, you’ll know where you really need to focus your attention.

Once you’ve got all the holes sealed and everything is cleaned up, “Termite” Terry recommends you should use traps to eliminate any of these pests which may be left inside your home or business. It is really important to use the correct type of trap. His favorites are the “wooden” types of traps which are available at most hardware stores. Be careful when placing traps and make sure they are out of reach for children and pets!!

Are you having a problem with mice or rats and need help? Call our office at (949) 631-7348 or use our online order form and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment at your convenience.