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How Is Hanta Virus Transmitted?
Question: I live in rural New Mexico and I was in my basement five days ago cleaning. I came across some garbage bags full of clothing and brought them upstairs to wash. When I pulled the clothes out of the bag, corn kernels came out. A couple of years ago we had quite a bit of corn kernels on the floor of our basement, probably put there my a mouse or chipmunk. About a year ago, all of the kernels were gone - so I'm assuming a mouse or chipmunk got ahold of them and hid them in these bags. I haven't seen any mouse poop or smelled any urine, but I'm worried about hantavirus. I've read that it can live in saliva as well, and we live in New Mexico where they've had the most cases and deaths from hantavirus. What's the likelihood that I've got hantavirus now? Very scared.
Brief Answer:
When did you notice a rodent last time?
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for posting me on this forum.
Hanta virus is mainly transmitted to people when you breathe in air contaminated with the virus especially when fresh rodent urine, droppings, saliva or nesting materials are stirred up, tiny droplets containing the virus get into the air.
The chance of being exposed to hantavirus is greatest when people work, play, or live in closed spaces where rodents are actively living.
I would like to know some more information-
Did was the last time you ever noticed a rodent in the basement which you have cleaned or is it a pure assumption?
Have you tried eradicating the rodents any time at this place?If yes, when did you do it?
Are there any rodents which you think are taking shelter in this place?
Do you see them anywhere else in your home?
Await your reply soon.
When did you notice a rodent last time?
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for posting me on this forum.
Hanta virus is mainly transmitted to people when you breathe in air contaminated with the virus especially when fresh rodent urine, droppings, saliva or nesting materials are stirred up, tiny droplets containing the virus get into the air.
The chance of being exposed to hantavirus is greatest when people work, play, or live in closed spaces where rodents are actively living.
I would like to know some more information-
Did was the last time you ever noticed a rodent in the basement which you have cleaned or is it a pure assumption?
Have you tried eradicating the rodents any time at this place?If yes, when did you do it?
Are there any rodents which you think are taking shelter in this place?
Do you see them anywhere else in your home?
Await your reply soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have never actually seen a rodent. Nor have I seen it's droppings. There are no rodents in our home. But I'm assuming a rodent put the corn kernels in the bag because I can't think of another way they would've gotten there. We've never tried eradicating the rodents because we've never seen one or it's droppings. I have seen a chipmunk outside of our house in the woods around our home, but never a mouse. Two years ago we noticed the corn in the basement, and then about a year ago, it was completely gone. Also, there is no access to our living quarters from the basement. You have to go outside in order to access the basement.
Brief Answer:
Infection is unlikely.Watch for 5 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for quick response.
I am glad that there is no contact with rodent or its droppings.Transmission is often from the fresh droppings.Moreover virus is alive for only short periods in the dust.This chance of transmission of virus is highly unlikely.
However since you are in the high risk prone area I were to suggest to keep a watch on the symptoms such as fatigue, fever and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups—thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders for the next 5 weeks(incubation period) if you still have a doubt.Thus hanta virus infection initially presents with flu like symptoms.
Thus it can be managed better if detected early.
Hope this answers your query.
Infection is unlikely.Watch for 5 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for quick response.
I am glad that there is no contact with rodent or its droppings.Transmission is often from the fresh droppings.Moreover virus is alive for only short periods in the dust.This chance of transmission of virus is highly unlikely.
However since you are in the high risk prone area I were to suggest to keep a watch on the symptoms such as fatigue, fever and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups—thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders for the next 5 weeks(incubation period) if you still have a doubt.Thus hanta virus infection initially presents with flu like symptoms.
Thus it can be managed better if detected early.
Hope this answers your query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. So it's highly unlikely? If you had to give a (%) what would it be? The chances that I have hantavirus?
Brief Answer:
Chances are meek
Detailed Answer:
Welcome.
Yes it is highly unlikely since the exposure is not proven.However I regret to say that the percentage cannot be predicted since there is no literature mentioning the incidence in such cases. Chances are meek.
Hope this answers your query.You need to keep a watch since yours is a high risk area.
Chances are meek
Detailed Answer:
Welcome.
Yes it is highly unlikely since the exposure is not proven.However I regret to say that the percentage cannot be predicted since there is no literature mentioning the incidence in such cases. Chances are meek.
Hope this answers your query.You need to keep a watch since yours is a high risk area.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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