Upon the saddening news of the death of Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, from Hantavirus, Central Pest Control are aware it is important to remind and educate people on the dangers of a rodent infestation in your home as this highlights the dangers of the diseases rodents carry and how important it is to keep our homes and business rodent free.
Rodent Dangers
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses primarily spread by rodents such as rats and mice. The virus can enter the body through the nose, mouth, skin and eyes.
People can contact Hantavirus through exposure to rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, often when these are stirred into the air. Rarely it is spread through rodent bites or contaminated food.
Symptoms include headache, fever, coughing, muscle soreness and lung disease, usually showing up within one to eight weeks of exposure to infected rodent. Hantavirus can be fatal if incorrectly treated.
Although this virus is rare, it is still out there and people must be aware of its causes and symptoms. HPS can be fatal with a mortality rate of 38%.Early medical intervention is critical for improving survival chances.
Symptoms of HPS ( Hantavirus Pulmonary Symptoms)
Early signs of HPS include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, which can progress to severe respiratory issues.
Prevention, avoiding contact with rodents and their waste is key.
Hantavirus is also a serious concern for pest control technicians due to its transmission through rodents. The virus can enter the body through cuts or mucous membranes. All of our technicians are fully equipped with PPE gear for protection from these diseases.
Preventing a rodent infestation by sealing gaps and holes and maintaining good housekeeping measures in the home is key.
It is important to note that when cleaning up a home that has been rodent infested you must take extra care when cleaning up, such as wearing gloves and avoid the sweeping up of their dust as this will contaminate the air.
By understanding the nature of rats, addressing the causes of infestation, and implementing effective control measures, you can successfully eliminate rats from your home and reduce the risk of future infestations. Remember to combine preventive measures, proper sanitation, and trapping techniques, and seek Central Pest Control professional help when necessary to ensure long-term success in rat control.
If you have a rodent problem in the home, it is strongly recommended that you employ the services of a registered pest-control professional, since many common over-the-counter solutions – such as rat poison – can end up infecting food and food-preparation surfaces if deployed incorrectly. It is also very important to ensure that all rodents have been eradicated and that preventative measures have been put in place to avoid another infestation occurring.
