Rodents with Hantavirus Found in Carlsbad

A deer mouse and a vole from Carlsbad have tested positive for the potentially-deadly hantavirus. The discoveries were made during routine monitoring, according to the county Department of Environmental Health.

The DEH said these two rodents are among 38 that have tested positive for hantavirus in the county this year, compared to 21 in 2010.

Infected rodents are rarely a threat to people if they are in the wild. The best way people can prevent the disease is to keep mice out of houses, garages and sheds by sealing holes larger than the size of a dime, County officials said.

If evidence of a rodent is found, put on gloves and use bleach and mops, do not use a vacuum or broom. “People should never sweep up or vacuum rodent droppings or nesting material when they find it,” said Jack Miller, director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “Instead, they should ventilate closed areas for at least 30 minutes, and then carefully use bleach or a full-strength disinfectant before removing them.” 

Hantavirus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which begins with flu-like symptoms but can grow into severe breathing difficulties and even death.

For more information contact the County Department of Environmental Health at (858) 694-2888 or watch the County's YouTube video to the right of this article.