05/04/2026
๐จHANTAVIRUS PSA FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
You may have seen the news this weekend. Three passengers have died and several others are ill following a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic.
We're not sharing this to scare you. We're sharing it because prevention starts at home, and keeping families safe from rodent related risks is what we do every day at Men In Black Pest Control. Hantavirus is rare, but it is serious, and it is very preventable with the right steps.
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FIRST, SOME REASSURANCE: The World Health Organization has stated there is no need for panic or travel restrictions. Hantavirus is not spread from person to person generally. It spreads through contact with infected rodents, specifically their urine, droppings, and saliva. Your everyday risk comes down to two things: keeping rodents out of your home & proper sanitation if they do get in.
โ ๏ธ KNOW THE SYMPTOMS: Early symptoms can feel like the flu: fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. If you've had possible rodent exposure and develop these symptoms, see a doctor right away and mention the exposure.
๐ HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY:
PREVENT THEM FROM GETTING IN: Seal cracks, gaps, and holes in foundations, walls, doors, and garages. Mice can squeeze through a pencil width opening.
Store food in airtight, rodent proof containers and keep trash secured.
Reduce clutter and set traps regularly around your home.
IF YOU FIND SIGNS OF RODENTS, CLEAN UP SAFELY:
**This step is critical and is often done wrong so we want to provide you with recommendations provided by the CDC directly - link to step by step instructions provided in comments**
-Never sweep or vacuum dry droppings. This can send virus particles into the air.
-Open windows and air out the area for at least 30 minutes before doing anything.
-Wear gloves and an N95 mask or respirator.
-Soak droppings, nesting material, and surfaces with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and let it sit for 15 minutes.
-Wipe up with paper towels, double bag all waste, and dispose of properly.
-Disinfect the area again and wash your hands thoroughly.
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If you've spotted droppings, gnaw marks, or any signs of rodents in or around your home, we've got you covered. When it comes to exclusion and clean up, our team has the training, equipment, and experience to handle it safely and professionally.
๐630-901-3261
๐ mibpestcontrol.com