*Scroll for an Update*
Earlier this year, a guest writer provided readers with information on hantavirus, “a deadly disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contact the disease when they breathe in the aerosolized virus.”
Now, the state of New Mexico and their Health Department, have confirmed a fifth case of the disease.
A fifth case of hantavirus has been confirmed in New Mexico. The New Mexico Department of Health says a 59-year-old woman from McKinley County is hospitalized at University Hospital in critical condition with the infection.
I good recommendation would be for readers to go back and reread the information provided by David Miller on hantavirus and then take necessary precautions in order to diminish the risks of becoming a victim.
*Update* Perhaps the following information lends to a bit of reasoning as to why there may be more rodents attributing to hantavirus than is needed.
EPA Announces Intent To Ban Pesticide Products: On June 7, 2011, EPA announced its intent to ban sales of the most toxic residential rodenticides, as well as the sale of most loose bait and pellet products. EPA is also requiring that all newly registered rat and mouse rodenticides poison marketed to residential consumers be enclosed in bait stations that render the pesticide inaccessible to children and pets. In 2008, EPA gave producers of certain rodenticides until June 4, 2011, to research, develop, and register new products that would in EPA’s view be safer for children, pets, and wildlife. There are now seven new products on the market with new bait delivery systems. EPA announced its intent to initiate cancellation proceedings under FIFRA against companies that elected not to conform their products to EPA’s recommendations. EPA also intends to ban the sale and distribution of rodenticide products containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, and difenacoum directly to residential consumers reportedly because of their toxicity and the secondary poisoning hazards to wildlife. These rodenticides will still be available for use in residential settings, but only by professional pest control applicators. The compounds will also be allowed for use in agricultural settings. Bait stations will be required, however, for all outdoor, above-ground uses to minimize exposure to children, pets, and wildlife.
Tom Remington
