How rare is the rodent carrying disease, hantavirus?

Its not very rare at all, in January of 2018 there was warning of a deer mouse that had tested positive for the hantavirus in San Diego.

From January through April of 2018 there had already been 22 testing positive for the disease.

In April 2018 a death was announced from the hantavirus in New Mexico.

Each year in January we are reminded as they continue testing for the disease.

Can your pets get it? Yes
Can your pets transfer the virus to people?  No.
But they can bring you an infected rodent.

This disease is transferred to people by inhaling the dust particles from infected rodent droppings or urine.

Back in 2012 an outbreak was reported at Yosemite National Park with ten people infected, three of which were fatal.

Deer mice are usually found in rural areas, and field mice are usually found in the city. But that’s usually, and I probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Would you?

So it’s so very important!
When cleaning rodent nests and droppings, always use a wet method.  Do not sweep or vacuum.

When spring gardening, cleaning, or camping,  just try to be careful not to blow dust particles in the air.

Make a habit of being very cautious when it comes to rodents.

Keep food containers closed and food scraps cleaned up.