Explainer
What is hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses carried mainly by wild rodents. Some strains can cause severe disease in people, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.
How people are exposed
Most human infections are linked to breathing in dust contaminated by urine, droppings, or saliva from infected rodents.
Transmission risk is higher when cleaning enclosed spaces such as sheds, cabins, barns, storage rooms, or poorly ventilated buildings with rodent activity.
Symptoms to know
Early symptoms can resemble flu-like illness, including fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
Severe cases may progress quickly. Anyone with possible rodent exposure and worsening breathing, chest tightness, dizziness, or persistent fever should seek medical care.
Prevention
Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry rodent waste. Ventilate the area, wet contaminated material with disinfectant, and use gloves before cleaning.
Seal gaps, store food securely, remove nesting materials, and control rodents around homes and workplaces.