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Deadly Virus Returns: Rodents a Silent Threat
16 Feb
Summary
- Hantavirus, a rare but fatal illness, is spread by rats and mice.
- Contaminated dust disturbed during cleaning poses a significant risk.
- Rodents enter homes easily, seeking food and shelter, regardless of cleanliness.
A deadly virus, Hantavirus, is re-emerging as a public health concern, according to pest control specialists. Primarily transmitted by rats and mice, Hantavirus, though rare in the UK, carries a fatal risk. Recent fatalities underscore the potential danger, with the virus claiming the lives of Betsy Arakawa and Matias Uribe Nova.
The primary danger arises when rodent infestations remain undetected, and their dried waste becomes airborne dust. This contaminated dust can be inhaled when disturbed, leading to infection. Experts from Acorn Environmental Services stress that homeowners often underestimate how easily rodents can access homes and the speed at which risks can escalate.
John Whiteley-Wilkson, a pest control expert, noted that Hantavirus is often perceived as a distant threat. However, he cautioned that rodents are indiscriminate, entering any dwelling that offers food and shelter, irrespective of its appearance or cleanliness. The virus typically spreads through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, with inhalation of contaminated dust being the most common transmission route.
