Be a little cautious when discovering natural and cultural heritage

19.7.2021

Source: web

Mouse fever or Hantavirus haemorrhagic fever

There is an increase of cases of so called mouse or haemorrhagic fever this year in Slovenia. In rare cases it can spread from rodents (mice) onto the humans by inhaling so called hantaviruses, which are present in aerosols of mice faeces.

Being cautious when visiting natural and cultural heritage is well on place because areas like these can be home to forest rodents. Most of the time the source of the infection is an aerosol, which spawns into the air when sweeping, cleaning, or working in the field and forest. With that in mind the most exposed are farmers and foresters, rarely visitors and recreation enthusiast in the nature.

It is recommended that we avoid touching exhausted or dead rodents or their faeces. In the case that we notice it, we notify the warden of the area. Areas of bigger caution are unaired and stuffy spaces; everywhere else the chance of infection is small.

Visits of natural and cultural heritage should still be a pleasant experience and relaxation with a little caution in mind.