Canadians are advised to take steps to protect themselves from hantavirus during spring cleaning.

When cleaning sheds and cottages, Canadians need knowledge and equipment to stay safe.

Residents should look for rodent droppings and take precautions, says Angela Rasmussen.

Mice in Canada can transmit hantaviruses, says a virologist.

Hantavirus spreads through rodent droppings and urine.

The disease spreads through dried droppings, urine, or saliva, says Dr. Bonnie Henry. Droppings and urine can become airborne when cleaning. The disease can spread through these particles. The risk is higher when cleaning enclosed spaces. Residents should be aware of the risks.

The North American hantavirus strain does not spread between people.

Deer mice, white-footed mice, and red-backed voles carry hantavirus in Canada. These rodents live in rural areas.

Farmers and homeowners are likely to be exposed to hantavirus.

The risk of exposure is highest when cleaning enclosed spaces, says Dr. Stanley Enebeli. Residents should be cautious when cleaning.

Residents should be careful when cleaning sheds, cabins, and garages.

Hantavirus prevention involves keeping rodents away and cleaning safely.

To keep rodents away, block openings, keep yards tidy, and store wood away from buildings. Keep food and water in closed containers.

If residents find droppings, they should air out the space and leave for 30 minutes.

Before cleaning, residents should wear gloves and a HEPA mask.

Droppings should not be swept or vacuumed, but sprayed with disinfectant and soaked for 10 minutes.

The soaked droppings can be wiped up with paper towels. Residents should wash their gloves and hands after cleaning. Any mops used should be cleaned with disinfectant and hot water.