Testing has been done in many areas of Alberta. Since there have been human cases from the areas not yet tested we know the virus is there too. This confirms our belief that there are small numbers of infected mice in all regions of Alberta. If a person is infected, the disease generally appears within one or two weeks, but can take up to six weeks to appear. Persons with flu-like symptoms do not need to be concerned but anyone who develops difficulty breathing and has recently been in an area contaminated by rodents should see a doctor immediately.
Information is available from all regional public health services.
Hantavirus is not a new risk to public health, and there is no evidence that it is increasing or spreading. The virus has existed in North America for many years, but was only recognized for the first time in May of 1993, in New Mexico. Since the infection was first diagnosed, research into medical records and blood samples has uncovered about 150 cases in North America, dating back to the 1950s. Eight of these cases occurred in Alberta and seven have been reported in B.C. including one fatality. Cases are generally concentrated among people who work at exceptionally close quarters with mice, such as researchers and people who kept mice as pets.