Control Rodents Because They Might Transmit Hanta Virus

In the 1990s, a new form of an old disease showed up in the American southwest, around New Mexico. This new virus is a member of the bunyaviridae viruses from Korea, but unlike the Korean viruses, Hanta Virus is spread by rodents, not insects. In Korea, the virus produces hemorrhagic fever. It was given the name Hanta Virus because the hemorrhagic fever causing virus was found around the Hantan River in Korea. The Korean variety was discovered in the 1950s, but it wasn't until 1993 that Hanta Virus was found in the United States in the states surrounding New Mexico.

Since the 1990s, Hanta Virus has spread into other states, including California, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Idaho and a few cases have shown up in Oregon. Since it is a virus, there is no cure, just as the virus that causes the common cold can't be cured. Viruses reproduce in the body by invading cells and making the hosts RNA replicate the virus, instead of the cell's DNA. Once a person is infected with Hanta Virus, they will begin to show symptoms in a few weeks to a month. The first symptoms are flu-like; chills, fever, fatigue, headache and nausea. This may last for a week before getting worse and causing difficulty breathing and heart trouble. The next stage comes a few days later and affects the kidneys, which causes large amounts of urine to be flushed out of the body, creating dehydration. If the patient survives all of these stages, they stand a good chance of recovering. However, if they don't seek treatment soon enough, they could die from dehydration.

The disease is actually transmitted by rodents feces or urine, therefore it is recommended that anyone working around mice or rats exercise extreme caution and wear respirator masks when sweeping up droppings. Inhaling dust that contains infected droppings can cause Hanta Virus. Rodent populations should be controlled fully to eliminate the chance of infection. If rodents are found dead, they should be disposed of very carefully. Gloves and respirator masks should be worn and the dead animal should be scooped up using a plastic bag containing some bleach in the bottom. It should be thrown into the trash and the persons hands should be washed thoroughly.

Hanta Virus could spread faster in areas where natural predators are removed by hunting or trapping. An example is that coyotes normally prey on mice and rats, but if ranchers or hunters begin shooting coyotes to protect their livestock, then the predator is removed from the environment. This upset in the balance of nature will cause the rodent population to increase. With more rodents around, their food supplies will become scarce and they will start to move into houses where there is food. Nature has a way of balancing things out, but humans sometimes shoot themselves in the foot with their careless acts. Once the predators return, the prey will once again be controlled. But, even with control, there is still risk, so precaution should always be taken as stated above.