Did I just expose myself to hantavirus???

[Anonymous]

We have mice in the basement. While setting some traps, I swepts up all the droppings I found. YUCK!

Called my sister, she said watch out for mouse droppings, they can carry hantavirus -- 50% fatal WITH TREATMENT???

OK -- I live in Maryland. Is hantavirus a problem around here? I had heard of it dimly -- something about out west.

[Anonymous]

I don't think there's any hantavirus in MD--it's prevalent in the four corners region. Don't worry about it. CDC has a pretty good website about it for more info.

[Anonymous]

I used to do a lot of field work working with small mammals and, yes, hantavirus was a concern. Ironically though, I was more sensitive to the urine and dander than worried about the hantavirus.

Although it is ubitquous in wild mice, it is actually rare for humans to get infected - think of it as being struck by lightening - there are lots of thunderstorms during the summer, but it's rather rare that you are actually struck by a bolt.

As for the 50% fatality statistic - I am fairly sure that may have been exaggerated. Unless you are immune-compromised, elderly, or a child your chance of recovery and survival are much greater. And if you seek help as soon as symptoms seem to occur than your chances may be even better.

My professor in college actually got it (which is probably why he had US doing his field work for him ) and he, obviously, lived to tell about it (although he did still complain of the muscle aches as one of the lasting effects).