ALBANY, N.Y., June 27 (UPI) -- New York officials confirm an isolated case of hantavirus on Long Island and advise residents to take precautions against the virus spread via rodents.
The New York State Department of Health, the Suffolk County Health Department and federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta are investigating the case, which is only the second instance of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the state. Both patients died.
Hantavirus has been rare and sporadic since the first human infections were diagnosed in the southwestern United States in 1993, when it was determined humans can inhale microscopic particles present in the urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents.
To prevent exposure, avoid contact with rodent droppings or urine, and if there is a rodent infestation contact an exterminator, heath officials advise.
However, if using traps, place them in an empty milk carton lying on its side to prevent contact with potentially infected materials. Once a trap is used, put on gloves and thoroughly wet down the milk container and the rodent with a mixture off detergent and 1.5 cups of bleach per gallon of water, place in a double plastic bag for disposal and wash hands with soap and water.
To clean droppings, air the home and wet down the affected area with the detergent-and-bleach mixture using a spray bottle. Wearing gloves, long sleeves, dust mask and protective eye wear, clean debris using paper towels and dispose in a double plastic bag. Do not use a vacuum cleaner or broom to clean up the droppings, health officials recommend.
