The Daily Dispatch

Those who travel to the lake country should be aware and protect themselves against hantavirus, a disease transmitted by infected mice. The North Dakota State Department of Health issued a warning about the disease to residents on May 20.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a viral infection that causes severe lung disease. The disease is transmitted to humans by fecal matter, urine and bites from infected mice. The symptoms of the hantavirus typically occur two to three weeks after infection and early symptoms include fever, muscle and body aches, fatigue, headache, dizziness, chills, nausea and vomiting. The hantavirus worsens within a short period of time and may then include coughing and severe shortness of breath when the lungs fill with fluid.

“Hantavirus infection has been associated with cleaning or occupying previously vacant cabins or other dwellings,” Michelle Feist, epidemiologist with the North Dakota Department of Health. “It’s important to take precautions while cleaning buildings that are infested with rodents. Preventing infection is important since there is no specific treatment for the disease.”

Ten cases of the hantavirus have been reported to the state department of health since 1993 with the most recent occurring in 2008. There haven’t been any cases reported in Richland County, according to Deb Flack at the Richland County Department of Health. The best method of avoiding the illness is to prevent contact with mice because it is a viral infection and there is no treatment besides treating the symptoms, said Flack. Another means of prevention is to inhibit rodents from entering the property.

For more information about the virus, contact Michelle Feist or Tracy K. Miller at the North Dakota State Department of Health at (701) 328-2378.

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