Spring Virus Dangers in Colorado—Protect Yourself Now

Just when you thought winter's cold and flu season had passed you by, the early days of spring have brought a whole new list of viruses to be concerned about. Who knew 'spring cleaned' could result in a nasty illness?

Read More: Dengue Virus Outbreak In Colorado: What You Need To Know Now

Mesa County Public Health officials in Grand Junction are sharing an important reminder, especially if you are getting ready to do a deep spring cleaning at home.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is not something to mess around with. Hantaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause serious illness or even death, transmitted to people by mice or rats. You can catch it by breathing in particles from rodent saliva, urine, or droppings such as deer mice. You can also catch it from a rodent bite.

Disturbing places where these critters live is often what stirs up the dangerous particles sometimes which are sometimes encountered during spring cleaning.

Risk of Traansmission

The CDC image above shows Colorado and the American Southwest as a hotspot for Hantaviruses. Colorado's 'Four Corners' Region is a place where deer mice thrive, making it easier to encounter Hantavirus and Sin Nombre virus.

Read More: How Your Colorado Pets Will Be Affected By West Nile Virus

Symptoms Of Hantavirus

MedlinePlus.com says symptoms of Hantaviruses vary because there are several kinds. Most common in the four corners area is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). It can come with fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It's the worst. I mean, as we saw earlier, all this is happening because you may have breathed in rodent pee particles. HPS can also cause shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, and lung failure.

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Tips For Prevention

Steps toward preventing an encounter with hantaviruses start with avoiding contact with rodents or their waste. Always wear gloves and a mask if you need to clean up after them. Control these critters with traps and repellents to keep them out of your home, workshed, garage, or unattended vacation properties.

There is no known cure for Hantaviruses, and early detection is incredibly important for each person who comes in contact with them.