Every year, the incidence of this dangerous infection increases.
The upcoming climate phenomenon “super El Niño” may lead to an increase in the population of western deer mice — the primary carriers of hantavirus, reports Newsweek. “Super El Niño” will increase rainfall, which in turn will create favorable conditions for rodent breeding.
According to the latest forecasts, the likelihood of the climate phenomenon exceeds 80%. Moreover, heavy rains in the Rocky Mountains and the southwest of the country could begin as early as June, warns senior meteorologist at AccuWeather Tom Kines. As the cold weather sets in, rodents will seek shelter in human dwellings. It is contact with their droppings, urine, or saliva that becomes the route of infection for humans.
However, experts reassure that if basic hygiene measures are followed, the likelihood of contracting hantavirus is very low. To prevent infection, the WHO recommends maintaining cleanliness in living and working spaces, sealing openings through which rodents may enter, and securely storing food, reports RTVI US.
However, entomologist Shannon Sked from Orkin reminds that since the virus was discovered in 1993, there has not been a single year in America without new cases of infection, and “super El Niño” could significantly impact this statistic.
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