NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department is monitoring reports involving hantavirus, though local health officials say the risk to residents in Northeast Wisconsin remains very low.
Health Director Nick Mau says while the recent cases have generated widespread headlines and international attention, it is important for the public to keep the actual level of risk in perspective.
“I think this is a really important opportunity to just talk about the severity of risk and the varying severity of risk depending on the case, the type of disease, and the type of exposure,” Mau said. “While this situation is receiving a lot of international attention and seems to be on the front page of news sources, it’s important to keep the actual public health risk in perspective.”
Mau emphasized that hantavirus is not a new concern for public health officials and that most cases in the United States are tied to environmental exposure involving rodents and rodent droppings.
“So right now the risk of hantavirus to the general public in Wisconsin and in our local community here in the Northeast region of Wisconsin is generally very low,” Mau explained. “It serves as an important reminder to avoid contact with rodents and rodent droppings.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious virus that can spread through contact with infected rodents, especially through exposure to droppings, urine, or nesting materials. Mau says infestations involving wild rodents are considered a health hazard because of the diseases that can be spread through their feces.
With spring cleaning season underway, Mau says now is a good time for residents to safely clean cabins, sheds, garages, and other buildings that may have sat unused through the winter.
“A lot of us have sheds and cabins by lakes, and we’re starting to do that spring cleaning,” Mau said. “This is a good time to remind people to sweep out those areas, look for animal droppings, and clean safely while wearing masks if you’re in a building that’s not well ventilated.”
Mau says proper ventilation and protective equipment can help prevent particles from becoming airborne during cleaning.
The recent outbreak that drew national attention was linked to a cruise ship, though Mau noted the cases tied to that situation were isolated and far from Wisconsin. He also confirmed no Wisconsin residents were on board the cruise.
“There were no Wisconsin residents on that cruise, and there will be no people returning from isolation from that situation,” Mau said.
Mau also addressed comparisons some people have made between hantavirus and COVID-19, saying the two illnesses spread very differently.
“Hantavirus is not like a cyclical virus where COVID is now part of that cold and flu season pattern,” Mau explained. “Most hantavirus cases in the U.S. are linked to environmental exposure to rodent droppings and not human-to-human spread, which is considered very, very rare.”
The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department says it will continue monitoring the situation and encourages residents to practice safe cleaning habits and avoid exposure to rodents and their droppings.
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