Hantavirus is transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, or by inhaling contaminated dust. There is no vaccine — prevention is the only protection.
How Transmission Occurs
Inhalation
Breathing dust contaminated with rodent droppings or urine. Most common route.
Direct Contact
Touching eyes, nose, or mouth after handling infected materials.
Bite
Rare — direct bite from an infected rodent. Andes virus can also spread person-to-person (rare).
Rodent Control
- ✓Seal all holes and gaps in your home larger than a pencil (6mm). Steel wool and caulk are effective.
- ✓Store food (including pet food) in rodent-proof metal or heavy plastic containers with tight lids.
- ✓Keep firewood stacked at least 30m from the house; remove debris piles where rodents nest.
- ✓Set snap traps inside along walls where rodent activity is detected. Check regularly.
- ✓Keep grass short around the home; trim vegetation within 30m of structures.
- ✗Do not use glue traps or live traps — they stress rodents and cause more urine spraying.
- ✗Do not use ultrasonic or electromagnetic devices — no evidence of effectiveness.
Safe Cleaning of Contaminated Areas
⚠ Never vacuum or sweep rodent droppings — this aerosolizes the virus.
- ✓Wear rubber or plastic gloves and an N95 or better respirator before entering contaminated spaces.
- ✓Ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning (open windows and doors, leave the area).
- ✓Spray droppings and nesting materials with a disinfectant solution (1:10 bleach to water) and let soak 5 minutes.
- ✓Wipe up with a damp cloth or paper towels; place in a plastic bag, seal, and double-bag.
- ✓Disinfect all surfaces with bleach solution. Mop floors — do not dry sweep.
- ✓After removing gloves, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- ✓For heavily infested structures, contact a professional pest control service.
Outdoor and Camping Safety
- ✓Choose campsites away from rodent burrows, droppings, or nesting materials.
- ✓Sleep on raised surfaces — do not sleep directly on the ground.
- ✓Store food in rodent-proof containers; remove all trash promptly.
- ✓Air out cabins or shelters for at least 30 minutes before entering if unused.
- ✓Use insect repellent — fleas from infected rodents can also transmit disease.
- ✗Do not handle sick or dead rodents with bare hands.
- ✗Avoid abandoned structures with signs of rodent infestation.
High-Risk Activities
These activities carry elevated exposure risk and require extra precautions:
Cleaning barns, sheds, or garages unused for months
Plowing or disturbing fields in hantavirus-endemic areas
Handling grain or hay in storage
Trapping or handling wild rodents
Entering vacation cabins after long closure
Outdoor activities in endemic rural areas during peak rodent seasons