Saskatchewan residents reminded to take precautions for hantavirus
Saskatchewan residents are being reminded to take precautions against hantavirus as they prepare for their spring cleanup. Hantavirus infection is caused by breathing in contaminated airborne particles from the droppings, urine or saliva of infected deer mice. It can cause a rare, but potentially fatal lung disease known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
“Deer mice are found throughout Saskatchewan, and the risk of exposure is highest when cleaning enclosed or unused spaces where mice may have nested, such as sheds, barns, cabins, trailers, RVs, old vehicles, garages, and storage buildings,” said Dr. Stanley Enebli, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Medical Health Officer. “Because the virus is airborne, it is important to always wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a well‑fitting N95 mask. Moisten droppings and contaminated areas with a bleach and water disinfectant solution before wiping or mopping. Taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk of illness from rodent contamination.”
When cleaning rodent-infested areas, the SHA recommends avoiding activities that create dust and minimizing direct contact or breathing in potentially contaminated air. Farmers, grain handlers, cottagers and homeowners are the most likely to be exposed to the virus.
The following precautions should be taken when cleaning outside buildings like sheds, and unoccupied dwellings such as cabins where evidence of rodent infestation is found:
- ventilate the building by opening doors and windows, and then leave the area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning;
- avoid using dry cleaning methods such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming or air-hosing;
- use wet mopping methods and wear rubber or plastic gloves;
- wear goggles and a well-fitting N-95 type filter mask, an industrial N95 mask is recommended, when cleaning areas contaminated by mouse droppings;
- dampen areas contaminated with rodent droppings with bleach and water disinfectant solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) or a household disinfectant and remove droppings with a damp mop or cloth;
- steam clean, shampoo or spray upholstered furniture with a detergent, disinfectant or a bleach and water disinfectant solution; and
- wash exposed clothes and bedding with detergent in hot water.
Hantavirus can affect anyone who comes into contact with mouse droppings. Symptoms usually start within one to six weeks of exposure and include fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Some people develop severe symptoms that can be life-threatening. Seek medical attention immediately if you have a cough, fever and shortness of breath.
Throughout the year, you can minimize the presence of all rodents by:
- reducing the availability of food sources or nesting materials;
- by preventing rodents from entering the home and other buildings
- storing human and animal food, water and garbage in pest-resistant containers with tightly fitted lids; and
- move woodpiles or other potential hiding places for mice away from your home.
Hantavirus infections are rare but serious. Between 1994 and 2025, 38 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome were reported in Saskatchewan; 12 of those cases were fatal. Case numbers include preliminary data for 2025 and are subject to change.
For more information on hantavirus, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/diseases-and-conditions/hantavirus. For advice on symptoms or when to seek care, call HealthLine 811.
