The government of Saskatchewan is once again reminding residents that Hantavirus season is approaching.

While the risk in Saskatchewan is still low (only 36 cases of the virus have hit the province since 1994, 12 of which resulted in death), the risks can rise in spring as people open up barns, sheds, and cottages after a long winter.

In an email response from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, a representative explained the potential threat that Hantavirus could cause:

"Hantavirus can potentially be in any area infested by rodents, although deer mice, the main carrier are more common in rural and semi-rural areas. The risk of Hantavirus applies across the province and anyone coming into contact with rodent-infested areas should take proper precautions. People are most often exposed when cleaning up enclosed buildings (such as grain bins, sheds, barns, garages, trailers, cottages, and homes) or farm equipment and vehicles after winter."

In other words, people being exposed to deer mice droppings or nesting materials.

Further complicating the issue is that Hantavirus presents itself similar to a number of other viruses, including COVID-19. Symptoms are typically flu-like; with fevers, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, shortness of breath, tiredness, coughing, and difficulty breathing, all occurring anywhere from 3 days to six weeks after exposure (though typically 14 days is the norm).

In more severe cases, Hantavirus can cause a lung-related illness called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which is potentially fatal as it can quickly escalate to a drop in blood pressure, lungs filling with fluid, and severe respiratory failure.

According to the email statement, currently, there are no treatments available for Hantavirus, and the treatment serves to improve a patient's symptoms, such as supportive care, help to maintain oxygen levels (ie. ventilator), and preventing dehydration.

Luckily, the precautions are fairly straightforward. Using a wet mop to clean droppings rather than a broom in order to limit the dust in the air. Wearing protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, and a well-fitting HEPA-type filter mask. And dampening areas with rodent droppings with bleach disinfectant.

For more on the Hantavirus, look to the government of Saskatchewan Hantavirus page.