Ways To Prevent And Treat Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Block Access To Home

Since hantavirus is primarily carried by rodents, patients may be able to prevent their exposure if they block the rat's access to their home. Mice are able to squeeze through openings as small as a quarter of an inch (six millimeters), and experts recommend homeowners routinely check the inside and outside of their homes for cracks and holes. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets, floors, and the openings around windows and doors should all be checked. If holes are found, these can be sealed with caulk, cement, steel wool, or wire mesh. The holes could also be boarded up with wood, bricks, or concrete blocks. To make the home less attractive to rodents, individuals should remove brush, grass, and other items from around their home's foundation, as mice often use brush and grass for building nests.

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Clean Up Promptly After Meals

To reduce the likelihood of rodents in the home, individuals are strongly advised to clean up promptly after meals. This will limit the amount of food available to mice and other disease-carrying pests and make the home less attractive to them as a nesting site. Food should be stored in the refrigerator or sealed in airtight containers in the pantry. Dishes need to be washed promptly and not left in the sink overnight, and pet food should not be left out except at the pet's meal time. Spills need to be cleaned up quickly, and countertops and cooking surfaces should be thoroughly wiped after use. If possible, the use of metal trashcans outside the home may keep rodents away, and it is recommended that trashcans or bins not be stored directly next to the side of the home. To deter mice and rodents, homeowners may wish to use natural deterrents such as peppermint and citrus. Organic packets designed specifically for this purpose are available at home supply stores, and these can be placed in the kitchen and other areas where food is consumed.

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