The muscle aches are severe, involving the thighs, hips, back and sometimes the shoulder. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The deer mouse can carry and shed the virus without showing any signs of being sick. The deer mouse is about six inches long to the tip of its tail. It is grayish to light brown on top, with a white belly, large ears, and a furry tail that is white on the underside.
Deer mice live in all parts of Washington, but mainly in rural areas.
Deer mice shed the virus in their urine, saliva, and droppings. A person may be exposed to hantavirus by breathing dust after cleaning rodent droppings or disturbing nests, or by living or working in rodent-infested settings. Keep rodents out of your home and workplace. Also plug holes around the base of buildings. This includes gaps under doors and around pipe openings and vents.