As spring cleaning begins, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services urged residents Wednesday to guard against hantavirus by avoiding exposure to rodents, their droppings and nests.

The virus, spread most commonly by deer mice, can infect humans when saliva, urine or droppings from an infected mouse are stirred up and inhaled. This makes the upcoming days of spring cleaning a particularly ripe time for potential human contact with the disease.

“Although hantavirus infection can occur during any month, the risk of exposure is increased in the spring and summer as people clean cabins and sheds and spend more time outside in the vicinity of rodents,” said department epidemiologist Rachel Hinnenkamp in a press release.

According to the department, Montana has seen 43 cases of hantavirus since it was first recognized in 1993 — one of the highest rates in the nation. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches with progression to coughing and extreme shortness of breath. Hantavirus can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated early; about 25 percent of Montana’s cases have proved fatal, according to the department.

Hinnenkamp advises not sweeping or vacuuming areas with rodent droppings or urine this spring. Instead, let the space air out for 30 minutes before thoroughly soaking the area with a disinfectant mixture of bleach and water. Then, wipe up the droppings with a sponge or paper towel. Discard the cleaning materials after use, wear rubber gloves and wash hands afterwards with soap and water.

Reduce rodent populations near your home by keeping nearby grass and shrubbery well-trimmed, moving woodpiles at least 100 feet from the dwelling and raising them at least one foot off the ground.

For more information visit http://dphhs.mt.gov/.