Health Department warns of hantavirus risk

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: May 18, 2008 at 10:00 PM MST

Story Updated: May 18, 2008 at 10:00 PM MST

CASPER, WYOMING - Health officials are warning people to be aware of the danger of hantavirus as warm weather leads them to open cabins, sheds and garages that have been closed all winter.

The Casper-Natrona County Health Department reminds people that a small percentage of deer mice carry the virus. The mice can deposit hantavirus through their droppings and spit that dries out and becomes part of the dirt and dust inside cabins and other structures. It can cause a potentially life-threatening disease in people who breath it in with dust particles.

The health department recommends that people take precautions by wearing gloves and a mask while cleaning. They should also spray down dust and dirt with a bleach solution and use rags and wet mops to wipe up dust and dirt rather than sweeping or vacuuming.

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