 Hey, look a mouse an expression often heard in cartoons featuring the American housewife could be attributed more often To those living in the rural areas of Wyoming Exposer to deer mouse droppings urine or saliva potentially exposes humans to hana virus The virus causes hana virus pulmonary syndrome or HPS in humans The most common route of transmission is through breathing in air contaminated with the virus Cleaning up these areas require special steps including the wearing of rubber gloves Using bleach not disturbing rodent waste until it has been disinfected and using disposable cleaning tools like paper towels In particularly dusty areas special clothing such as coveralls shoe covers and respirators should be used Windows and doors should be opened up for ventilation at least 30 minutes before work begins Early symptoms of HPS include fever body aches upset stomach dizziness and chills. These can develop one to eight weeks after exposure Four to ten days after the initial symptoms occur coughing shortness of breath and fluid in the lungs develop The disease can be fatal From the University of Wyoming extension. I'm Blake Hoffman exploring the nature of Wyoming