Mouse tests positive for Hantavirus at campground - County urges campers to use caution when cleaning up rodent droppings

SAN DIEGO – A wild brush mouse trapped in Fry Creek Campground on Mt. Palomar tested positive for the potentially deadly Hantavirus during routine monitoring, San Diego County Vector Control officials said Monday. Nineteen mice have tested positive for Hantavirus this year.

“Campers need to make sure that mice stay out of their tents, campers and motor homes,” said Jack Miller, Director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “People contract hantavirus by inhaling the virus, often when they are cleaning up rodent droppings and nesting materials. Wet cleaning methods should be used to prevent inhaling the virus.”

For more information, contact the County Department of Environmental Health at (858) 694-2888 or visit http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/deh/pests/hantavirus.html.