How long are rat droppings dangerous

Bleach kills the virus and reduces the chance of further transmission. The contaminated material should be placed in a plastic bag and sealed for disposal. Disinfect by wet-wiping all reusable respirator surfaces, gloves, rubber boots and goggles with bleach solution.

All disposable protective clothing, gloves and respirators should be placed in plastic bags and sealed for disposal. Please contact your local environmental authorities concerning approved disposal methods. The U. Centers for Disease Control and the Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia have guidelines that cover a variety of workplace situations.

For more details on risk assessment and precautions for specific situations not clearly addressed by existing guidelines contact specific agencies responsible for such detailed information, for example, your local public health office. Public Health Agency of Canada. Worksafe BC. Add a badge to your website or intranet so your workers can quickly find answers to their health and safety questions.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.

OSH Answers Fact Sheets Easy-to-read, question-and-answer fact sheets covering a wide range of workplace health and safety topics, from hazards to diseases to ergonomics to workplace promotion. Search all fact sheets: Search. Type a word, a phrase, or ask a question. Cases of Hantavirus infection contracted in Canada and the United States have been associated with these activities: Sweeping out a barn and other ranch buildings.

Trapping and studying mice. Using compressed air and dry sweeping to clean up wood waste in a sawmill. Handling grain contaminated with mouse droppings and urine. Entering a barn infested with mice. Planting or harvesting field crops. Take special precautions, such as wearing a respirator, when cleaning buildings with heavy rodent infestations. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is an infectious disease characterized by flu-like symptoms that can progress rapidly to potentially life-threatening breathing problems. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ferri FF. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa.

Accessed Aug. Ciottone GR. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome attack. In: Ciottone's Disaster Medicine. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome HPS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kliegman RM, et al. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. General Precautions Reduce the availability of food sources and nesting sites used by rodents inside your home. Keep food including pet food and water covered and stored in rodent-proof metal or thick plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.

Store garbage in rodent-proof metal or thick plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Wash dishes and cooking utensils immediately after use and remove all spilled food.

Dispose of trash and clutter. Place metal roof flashing as a rodent barrier around the base of wooden, earthen, or adobe dwellings up to a height of 12 inches and buried in the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Place 3 inches of gravel under the base of homes or under mobile homes to discourage rodent burrowing. Reduce rodent shelter and food sources within feet of the home. Use raised cement foundations in new construction of sheds, barns, outbuildings, or woodpiles. When possible, place woodpiles feet or more from the house and elevate wood at least 12 inches off the ground.

Store grains and animal feed in rodent-proof containers. Near buildings, remove food sources that might attract rodents or store food and water in rodent-proof containers. Store hay on pallets, and use traps or rodenticide continuously to keep hay free of rodents. Do not leave pet food in feeding dishes. Dispose of garbage and trash in rodent-proof containers that are elevated at least 12 inches off the ground.

Haul away trash, abandoned vehicles, discarded tires, and other items that may serve as rodent nesting sites. Cut grass, brush, and dense shrubbery within feet of the home.

Place spring-loaded traps at likely spots for rodent shelter within feet around the home, and use continuously. Clean-up Procedures Any area where you see rodent activity such as dead rodents or rodent droppings feces and urine should be thoroughly cleaned. Use wet mopping or wet cleaning methods to carefully remove rodent droppings feces and urine from occupied buildings.

Avoid creating dust or aerosol from rodent droppings feces and urine. Wet with disinfectant before cleaning, and use wet mopping or cleaning techniques. Do not use a vacuum cleaner or a broom because they will create airborne particles and dust. Wear rubber gloves, long-sleeved clothing, and a dust mask. Always wash hands with soap and warm water afterward.

Use 3 tablespoons of household chlorine bleach to a gallon of water as a disinfectant. You may also use Lysol or other cleaners that say disinfectant on the label and have phenol on the list of ingredients.

Apply the disinfectant to the mouse droppings feces and urine and all areas where rodents have been at least 30 minutes before cleanup to give it a chance to work.