[Boatanchors] Re Excellent Mouse Info

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

This was sent to me privately, but I think it is worth reading in its entirety
here.	
	
The 'ONLY' reason I think it is wise to stay clear of this topic here, is
because of the risk to human lives being the underlying factor. The topic
absolutely is one we should be concerned about. Many stories have circulated in
newspapers, on radio broadcasts and TV programs on this subject. What is
important, is that the precise facts are set forth in their entirety and the
danger to human life is eliminated, or in cases of necessary involvement,
minimized as much as is possible given the conditions. I am not sure this list
is the place for that discourse, however.	
	
Unfortunately way too much incorrect or misleading or incomplete information
has, and continues, to circulate. Such as the issue with the common rodent found
in many homes. I personally heard two media discussions that named this rodent
as a carrier. I think Robert is correct in pointing the focus to the Center For
Disease Control for 'hopefully' factual information on said issue. So let us do
precisely that.	
	
From: Robert Nickels <w9ran@ONERADIO.NET>
To: Duane Fischer, W8DBF <dfischer@usol.com>
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Mouse mess...
Date: Monday, December 30, 2002 11:41 PM

Duane,

Since you have deemed this discussion off-topic, perhaps you would care to
refer anyone who is after the FACTS on hantavirus to this CDC webpage.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5109a1.htm

A fellow who worked for me about 5 years ago died from HPS after cleaning
outbuildings on his farm without taking proper precautions, so I have become
very familiar with the facts of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.  The comments
made by Rod Hogg are correct as the CDC article explains, and as long as
amateurs who might come into contact with mouse excreta in the course of
cleaning old radios follow the CDC recommended clean-up precautions, the
risk is as manageable as anything else we deal with on a daily basis.

73, Bob W9RAN