My heart races as I send my children off to school every morning. The fear grips me as I consider the possibility of them, or anyone in the Beaverton school district, getting exposed to the hantavirus—a dangerous and potentially life-threatening virus. This is not just a nightmare; it's a very real threat that could affect all of us living in Beaverton, Oregon.

Evidence suggests that the hantavirus can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hantavirus has a mortality rate of approximately 38%. This virus spreads primarily through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine, or saliva. Schools, with their vast spaces and sometimes outdated infrastructure, could potentially harbor these dangerous pests without anyone knowing.

This situation calls for urgent action. The safety of our children and school staff must be our top priority. I am urging the Beaverton school district authorities to temporarily shut down schools until thorough inspections and pest control measures ensure that our school environment is safe and free of any possible hantavirus contamination.

This isn't just about a short-term closure; it's about long-term health and safety. More frequent inspections, better pest control strategies, and community awareness programs should be implemented permanently to address this problem.

I understand that shutting down schools can be inconvenient, but nothing is more important than the health and safety of our community. We cannot afford to take this risk lightly.

Please join me in calling for immediate action from the Beaverton school district. Together, we can ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for our children. Sign this petition to demand the Beaverton school district prioritize our safety against the hantavirus threat.