Evidence of hantavirus infection in deer mice collected during routine rodent-borne disease surveillance has been found by officials with the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
The most recent samples were collected during May and June in the vicinity San Bruno Mountain and Montara, according to the district.
Since 1998, hantavirus has been detected routinely throughout San Mateo County, including at San Bruno Mountain, the Crystal Springs Watershed and Wunderlich Park, according to the district.
“There has never been a human case of hantavirus acquired in San Mateo County,” said District Manager Dr. Chindi Peavey, “but we do know that hantavirus circulates at low levels in deer mouse populations in our county.”
Hantavirus is a viral disease carried by wild rodents — in California, by deer mice in the genus Peromyscus — and is transmitted when humans breathe in dust contaminated with the urine, saliva or droppings of infected rodents. Rodents such as house mice, roof rats or Norway rat do not carry hantavirus, according to the district.
Symptoms of hantavirus infection usually develop between one and eight weeks following exposure. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, followed by a severe respiratory infection that is often fatal. There is no treatment, cure or vaccine, according to the district.
For more information on rodent-proofing structures or safely cleaning up rodent infestations, or to request a rodent inspection for your property, contact San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District at (650) 344-8592 or go to smcmvcd.org.
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