Health Officials Warn Of Hantavirus After 4 Mice Test Positive In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY (CBSLA.com) — Health officials on Wednesday warned of an increase in the number of rodents that have tested positive for hantavirus in the areas of Riverside County.

The California Department of Public Health reported four rodents collected from San Timoteo Canyon in the Norton Younglove Preserve near Beaumont have tested positive for the potentially fatal, but difficult to contract virus.

So far this year, there have been no documented human cases.

According to health officials, hantavirus may be transmitted by inhaling tiny droplets from mouse droppings that have been contaminated with the virus.

Authorities explained infected mice do not appear to show any signs of illness.

When cleaning potentially infected areas, officials said to never use a broom to sweep up rodent droppings, as the virus can become airborne with dust and inhaled; instead, use bleach or disinfectant.

Visit the health department's website for more complete cleaning instructions.

Anyone concerned about the illness is urged to contact their health provider.

For more information on the virus, contact the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health office at (951) 766-9454.