Spending time where deer mice live may increase the chance of exposure. These areas include hiking trails, vacant buildings or cottages, barns and fields. HPS starts with fever, chills, headache and muscle pain. As the disease gets worse it becomes harder to breathe. If you get these symptoms and shortness of breath within six weeks of exposure to deer mice, see a doctor right away.
Symptoms usually start within two weeks.
But they can start as early as three days or as late as six weeks after infection. Early diagnosis helps in successful treatment of symptoms. Research for a vaccine is under way. The easiest way is to limit your contact with deer mice and their droppings, urine or saliva. They are attracted to areas where they can find food, water and shelter.