The illness is contracted when someone breathes in the virus from the urine, saliva or droppings of infected deer mice. The condition was first described in the southern United States in 1993, but the virus is not thought to be new. The first Canadian case was reported in British Columbia in June, 1994. The virus is spread mainly by the deer mouse, which lives predominantly in semi-rural and rural areas. Deer mice may be found in homes, old buildings and barns.
Deer mice range in color from pale grey to reddish brown.
White fur is found on the belly, feet and tail. The virus is NOT spread from person to person or from livestock or pets to humans. Keep grass short to discourage mice from living near your home. Place wood piles at least 30 metres from your home and raise them at least 30 centimetres off the ground. Store hay on pallets.