TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST RARE DISEASE

Released on August 28, 1996

Saskatchewan Health today advised people in the province to take
precautions against Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a relatively rare
disease carried by rodents, particularly deer mice.

Over the past five years a total of 14 cases have been reported in
British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. One of the 14 cases is in
Saskatchewan and was just recently identified.

Hantavirus can be fatal. A Saskatchewan man died of the disease
earlier this month, and 4 of the 13 people infected with the disease in
British Columbia and Alberta have also died.

"The virus is contracted mainly by breathing air contaminated by saliva
or excretions from infected rodents," said Dr. Greg Horsman, Medical
Director of the Provincial Laboratory, Saskatchewan Health. "As a rule
people must have significant exposure to infected mice to acquire
Hantavirus, and less than one per cent of mice tested in Saskatchewan
carry the virus. However, we advise people to take precautions in
places where rodents may be found such as abandoned buildings, farm
buildings, and camping areas. The highest risk activity would be
working in a rodent-infested enclosed space of some kind that is poorly
ventilated."

Horsman said the virus infects the respiratory system and its flu-like
symptoms include headaches, fever, muscle aches and coughing.

"Saskatchewan Health advises that people with these symptoms who have
been in mouse-infested areas should contact their doctor immediately.

"These symptoms progress rapidly until eventually fluids build up in
the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms can develop
within one to six weeks, but the average incubation period is two to
three weeks," Horsman said.

People are advised to make buildings and work sites rodent-proof to
prevent conditions where the disease could thrive. More details on
precautions which may be needed in work situations can be obtained from
Occupational Health & Safety Division, Saskatchewan Labour.

Further information about Hantavirus and what can be done to reduce the
risk of infection can also be obtained by contacting the Medical Health
Officer in your health district.

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For further information, contact:

Roy Schneider Occupational Health & Safety
Saskatchewan Health Saskatchewan Labour
Regina Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5024 Phone: 1-800-567-7233

Dr. Harvey Arstob
Health Canada
Ottawa
Phone: (613)-954-0757