The Medical Health Officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority says hantavirus can be just as devastating to a young person or someone in rigorous good health, as much as anyone else.

Dr. Simon Kapaj says the virus is spread via droppings or urine from deer mice.

“Infection initially starts with flu-like symptoms with fever, headache, some joint paint then it can lead to serious complications of lung failure and about a third of individuals that get infected with this virus actually die. Even in Saskatchewan we’ve had a significant number of cases and also deaths.”

The SHA says farmers, grain handlers, cottagers and homeowners are the most likely to be exposed to the virus.

Dr. Kapaj says taking some simple protective measures like wearing gloves, goggles, and an N-95 mask when cleaning out the cabin or trailers or storage spaces after the winter has passed can protect you from inhaling the virus.