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Fears of a new pandemic are spreading following the deaths of three people aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
At least five passengers on the Dutch vessel MV Hondius were confirmed to have hantavirus (officially Orthohantavirus), a strain of deadly viruses spread through contact with rodents or their droppings. Of the three passengers who died, one of them — a 69-year-old Dutch woman — was confirmed to have had the virus. The cases of her Dutch husband and a German woman, who both also died, are still being investigated. A flight attendant who came into contact with the Dutch woman at the airport, meanwhile, has been hospitalized with a suspected hantavirus infection.
While officials are investigating other possible cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stressed that the risk to public health remains low, assuring people that the recent hantavirus cases are not the same as the Covid outbreak from 2020. The reason: while Covid-19 was also a respiratory virus, it spread easily through airborne particles. Hantavirus does not spread in the same way, requiring close, intimate contact in order for another person to become infected, per the CDC.
The CDC has also released a statement about the MV Hondius outbreak, saying “at this time, the risk to the American public is extremely low,” adding that “we urge all Americans aboard the ship to follow the guidance of health officials as we work to bring you home safely.”
Still, if you’re concerned about hantavirus, there are a few ways to protect yourself at home.
SEAL THE GAPS
MaPorch 3-Roll Steel Wool Mice Control Kit
Since hantavirus is spread through contact with rodents like rats and mice, the first thing to do is make sure all the gaps and holes in your home are sealed, to prevent any unwanted critters from getting in. Amazon sells this “Mice Control Kit,” which features 23 feet of steel wool, made from thick and durable “chew-proof” fibers. The material is flexible enough to fit in most holes and crevices, but strong enough to create a tight seal. This kit includes safety gloves and wire scissors. It’s also one of the best-reviewed kits online, with a 4.5-star rating (out of five) from thousands of verified shoppers.
CONTAIN THE THREAT
Catchmaster Max-Catch Mouse & Insect Glue Trap (36-Pack)
If a few pesky rodents have managed to get into your space, Amazon sells these “Max-Catch” glue traps designed for easy, no-mess containment. The adhesives are pesticide-free and don’t require baiting. They’re strong and sticky enough so the rodents won’t run off, and slim enough to fit in (or under) tight spaces.
NATURAL OPTION
Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray
Want a more natural (and humane) way to keep the rodents at bay? Amazon sells this Rodent Repellent, made from super concentrated peppermint oil, which is known to irritate the sensitive noses of mice and rats. With their natural aversion to the smell, they’ll stay away — at least temporarily — from your space. Mighty Mint says their rodent spray is safe to use around pets and kids, and won’t damage furniture or floors. Spray liberally in spots where rodents may be hanging around — think baseboards, entryways and around cars and boxes.
DO NOT TOUCH
MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves (100-Pack)
Hantavirus isn’t just spread through contact with rodents — it can also be spread through exposure to their urine, droppings, and saliva. Removing their feces and liquids is something you should do as soon as you spot it, but the CDC warns against vacuuming or sweeping, since it can send particles into the air and “increase your risk of inhaling the virus.” Instead, put on a pair of disposable gloves and use a disinfectant wipe to pick everything up, then immediately toss the wipe and gloves in the trash. If the droppings are dry, the CDC recommends spraying them down with a disinfectant spray first, before using a wipe or paper towel to pick them up.
WASH UP
Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap (4-Pack)
Wash your hands with soap and warm water after removing your gloves. Use an antibacterial soap like this one, from Dial, which promises to kill more than 99.9% of bacteria when used with water. The addition of aloe to the formula keeps this gentle on your hands. We like the light “spring water” scent too.
SPRAY IT DOWN
CleanSmart Daily Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant
Wipe the affected spots down afterwards and make sure you use a good disinfectant spray. We like this one from Amazon, which promises to eliminate up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on contact. It’s safe enough to use on all surfaces and safe to use around pets too. The formula is also free of alcohol, ammonia, bleach, fragrance and dye. Amazon has this two-pack on sale for under $20.
BREATHE SAFE
BNX N95 NIOSH-Certified Face Mask (10-Pack)
And while there’s no threat of another Covid-style outbreak just yet, the CDC does recommend taking your face masks out again if you’ll be cleaning up after rodents or potentially coming into contact with one as you shore up your house. These N95 masks are Made in the USA and feature five layers of filtration, certified to help seal out up to 95% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The 3D shape makes it easier to breathe under the mask, while the flexible straps and an adjustable nose pad help ensure a secure fit.
SANITIZE IT
PhoneSoap XL UV Light Sanitizer
If you think your phone or accessories have come into contact with rodents or their bodily fluids, wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe and then put them in a UV sanitizer box like this one, from PhoneSoap. The PhoneSoap XL uses UV light to disinfect everything from phones, watches and tablets, to baby bottles, toys and sunglasses. This unit measures approximately 13 x 4 x 9 inches in size.
According to the CDC, other ways to prevent the spread of hantavirus are to regularly shampoo or steam clean your rugs, carpets and furniture. Make sure you are also washing your bed sheets regularly in hot water and with a good detergent. And of course, make sure there are no crumbs or food left open in the home, and keep all food in your cupboards well-sealed.
Common symptoms of hantavirus include fever, nausea, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems, like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you have any of those symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. Not all hantavirus infections lead to death — the Cleveland Clinic says the virus is fatal in 4 out of every 10 people who get it, though “most people make a full recovery with no lasting effects,” with early detection and treatment.
For entertainment watchers, hantavirus was revealed as the cause of death last year for Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, who was found dead next to the deceased actor in their New Mexico home.
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