A person may be exposed to hantavirus by inhaling dust after disturbing nests or breathing in closed spaces inhabited by infected mice. The deer mouse can have the virus without showing any signs of being sick. Deer mice spread the virus in their urine, saliva, droppings, and nesting materials. The deer mouse is about six inches long to the tip of its tail. It is yellowish brown to grayish white on top, has a white belly and feet, 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.
Only rodents carry the virus. Keep mice away from your home and workplace. Clear the area within 100 feet of your house of junk piles, debris or old cars where mice will nest. Keep weeds, brush and grass cut. Use steel wool to plug holes around the base of buildings.