The source of the virus is from infected rodents with the majority of the cases in the Northwest connected to deer mice. HPS is transmitted through ingestion or inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent wastes such as urine, droppings, and nesting materials. There are no known cases of the disease being spread from one person to another, by pets, or by wild animals other than rodents. If you experience an abrupt onset of a flu-like symptom after cleaning rodent wastes, consult your physican immediately. Mouse Facts Preventing mice from entering buildings requires some knowledge of their biology and behavior.
Mice live successfully outside or inside buildings, in grass, trash or small holes in the soil.
They do not construct long, wandering burrows but can leave trails. Mouse territory extends about 15 to 30 ft. from its established nest. Mice will travel up to 100 ft. from their nest to where adequate food is available. A mouse needs only a three inch by one inch hole for a comfortable house. A non-moving, stable, protected place available only for a few days will induce it to build a nest.