More Mice Found With Hantavirus

Two weeks after finding two deer mice near Simi Valley infected with the deadly hantavirus, the county Environmental Health Division on Thursday announced finding 10 more infected deer mice in three locations in Los Padres National Forest.

Environmental health specialist Randy Smith said the hantavirus was found in deer mice populations in the Wheeler Gorge Campground north of Ojai, where one of 11 rodents tested positive; at Mt. Pinos near Frazier Park, where two of 19 mice tested positive, and Chuchupate Ranger Station, also near Frazier Park, where seven of 10 animals tested positive.

On June 11, the health agency reported laboratory analyses that confirmed the presence of the hantavirus in two of 21 deer mice collected near Simi Valley.

Since the state Department of Health Services began monitoring hantavirus in 1994, 13 cases in humans have been confirmed in California, resulting in eight fatalities.

No human cases of the virus have been found in Ventura County, Smith said. Because of the recent findings, however, it is important that residents take the following precautions:

* Move possible rodent habitats, such as woodpiles and debris, away from structures.

* Do not leave pet food outside overnight.

* Seal all possible entrances, such as holes in walls, for rodents.

* Spray disinfectant on dead rodents and areas that are contaminated with rodent feces or urine. Make disinfectant by adding one part bleach to nine parts water.

* Use rubber gloves to place rodent droppings and their dead bodies in plastic bags and discard in the trash.

* Air out structures infested with rodents before cleaning.

* Do not vacuum or sweep dust while cleaning rodent droppings. Sweep only moist, disinfected debris and use a wet mop or moist towels with disinfectant for cleaning other areas.

County and state health officials will continue their hantavirus surveillance program, Smith said. Single rodents found or trapped by the public will not be accepted for testing and should be disposed of as suggested by the county.