Well, my weekend plans have changed somewhat. We have a confirmed case of Hanta Virus in town, and so I’ll be cleaning away the rodent leavings from our sun room and garage; the little bastards come in from the cold. Fortunately they’re not in the house proper.
So I’ll be donning an old flight suit, gloves and a face mask, and trying to raise as little dust as possible. Hanta is one hell of a nasty little bug, with a high mortality rate.
Hah! I thought the title said “Racial Suit” and I was wondering what that meant. At least you know to protect yourself when cleaning up rodent droppings.
I’m so sorry to hear that, my friend. If I had one, I’d send it right up for you. I know you’ll be very careful. Good luck with the nasty cleaning. May you have good weather for that as well. Keep the kids and pets inside while you do that, but then, I’m sure you already know that.
{{{{{{VB}}}}}}
You have a case of the Hanta virus in Boise!?! WTF? It’s not like you’re in sub-Saharan Africa or anything. Have they told you how widespread the outbreak is? Seen any of the boys from Atlanta running around in bio-suits? Take care of yourself, VB. That’s some scary stuff.
Actually, the case was from out at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, but that’s too close for comfort; you’re right, it’s very scary stuff. I haven’t heard of any CDC types up here yet, but it could happen.
I first learned about Hanta from an article covering the '91(?) outbreak in the Four Corners area; it’s been awhile, but I believe about 12 people died, infants to adults.
I intend to disinfect, let it dry, clean it up, and disinfect again. a 10% bleach solution oughta take care of it.
Try using a shopvac to suck stuff up instead of sweeping it. Also attach a hose to the exhaust outlet and stick the end outside, so the dust doesn’t get into the house. I’ve used dryer venting, duct-taped to the exhaust outlet.
A regular vac with a hepa filter will work, but remember to change ALL the filters after.
I’d hate to see anything happen to my favorite masseuse!!!
dragonlady! Howya doin’, babe? You don’t call, you don’t write, you don’t even send me flowers and chocolate anymore! 
Sounds like a good idea! Unfortunately, my shop vac vents from slits around the motor housing. I’ll just have to stick with sweeping. Slowwwwwwwly. Fortunately there isn’t a lot to cleanup, and then it’s going to be Decon time, although that isn’t my favourite method for offing the little beggars; I think dying by internal hemhorraging a little cruel.
Oh, and Purp, thanks for your kind thoughts; I thought everyone had a Racal in the closet!
Well, if it isn’t VB, my favorite flyboy…how YOU doin’?
I guess I’ll let you slide, considering the “de-vermin-ing” going on. (I HATE mice!)
But when I think of all the lonely hours I spent waiting for you in the vitual massage thread…just me and my bottle of warmed cinnamon oil…well, it’s enough to bring a tear to the eye…