On December 31, 2014, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced this year’s second case of hantavirus hemorrhagic fever. As the Chinese New Year is fast approaching, Taiwan CDC urges the public to take measures to keep rodents out of their homes while spring cleaning.

The case is a 43-year-old male who is involved in environmental protection work in northern Taiwan. He has a medical history of chronic illness. In mid-December, when he developed fever, muscle aches and joint pains, he sought medical attention and was hospitalized for treatment. Infection with hantavirus was later confirmed in the case. After receiving proper treatment, the case has recovered and been discharged from the hospital. None of the family members residing in the same household with the case has developed suspected symptoms. The health authority has captured rodents at the place where the case works at, which will be tested for hantavirus. In addition, the health authority has also reinforced relevant health education among residents who live near the case to reduce the risk of further transmission.

According to the surveillance statistics compiled by Taiwan CDC, each year about 0 to 2 cases of hantavirus hemorrhagic fever are confirmed. Since 2001, a total of 14 cases of hantavirus hemorrhagic fever have been confirmed. Individuals at risk for the disease include people who work at and live around traditional markets and night markets. Hantavirus hemorrhagic fever is a zoonosis caused by hantaviruses. Rodents are the natural reservoir for hantaviruses and the virus is transmitted from infected rodents to humans by inhalation of aerosolized particles from rodent excreta or a bite from infected rodents. The incubation period ranges from a couple of days to two months. The virus does not spread between humans. Symptoms usually include fever, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, varying degrees of hemorrhagic manifestations and kidney involvement.

As rodent control in and around the home remains the primary prevention strategy, Taiwan CDC urges the public to create a mouse-free environment by maintaining good household hygiene and by carrying out deratting measures when necessary. Individuals should avoid contact with rodent droppings, urine, saliva, and nesting materials. Closed storage sheds and cabins are often ideal sites for rodent infestations. While cleaning up rodent droppings and urine, spray the droppings and urine with a disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water and let the excreta soak in the disinfectant or bleach solution for 30 minutes before disposing of the waste in the garbage. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).