Hantavirus FAQ
Common questions about hantavirus symptoms, transmission, treatment, and the 2026 outbreak — answered using CDC and WHO guidance.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you suspect hantavirus exposure or infection, seek emergency care immediately.
Is hantavirus contagious — can it spread from person to person?
For most hantavirus strains, no. Sin Nombre virus (the main strain in North America) and HFRS strains in Europe and Asia do not spread person-to-person. The sole exception is the Andes hantavirus (South America), which can spread through prolonged close contact with an infected person. The 2026 MV Hondius outbreak involves Andes hantavirus. All other strains are transmitted only from rodents to humans.
What are the first symptoms of hantavirus?
Early symptoms (the prodromal phase, days 1–5 of illness) are similar to flu: fever (38–40°C / 100–104°F), severe fatigue, muscle aches — especially in the thighs, hips, and back — headache, dizziness, and chills. About half of patients also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain. These symptoms are easy to mistake for influenza or gastroenteritis.
How quickly do hantavirus symptoms appear after exposure?
The incubation period is 1 to 5 weeks, with an average of 2–3 weeks. Because there are no symptoms during this time, many people do not connect their illness to a rodent exposure that happened weeks earlier. If you had potential rodent exposure in the past six weeks and develop fever and muscle aches, mention this to your doctor.
How deadly is hantavirus?
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) has a case fatality rate of approximately 36% in the United States (CDC data). The Americas regional CFR was around 26% in 2025 (PAHO). The Andes virus strain responsible for the 2026 MV Hondius outbreak is in this range. HFRS strains in Europe and Asia are generally less fatal (1–12% depending on strain). Early supportive ICU care is the main factor improving survival.
Is there a vaccine or cure for hantavirus?
There is no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HPS or most hantavirus strains. Treatment is supportive: intensive management of oxygenation, blood pressure, and fluid balance, often in an ICU. ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is used in severe cases. Early medical care significantly improves survival odds — if you suspect exposure, seek care before symptoms worsen.
How do you get hantavirus?
The main route is inhaling aerosolised particles from infected rodent droppings, urine, or nesting material — especially when sweeping or disturbing dusty, enclosed spaces (sheds, cabins, garages). You can also be infected through direct contact with these materials followed by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, or through rodent bites. The Andes hantavirus additionally spreads through prolonged close contact with an infected person.
I found mouse droppings — what should I do?
Do not sweep or vacuum dry droppings — this aerosolises the virus. Instead: (1) open windows and ventilate the area for 30 minutes before entering; (2) wear rubber gloves and an N95 respirator; (3) spray droppings thoroughly with a 1:10 bleach-to-water solution and leave for 5 minutes; (4) wipe up with paper towels and double-bag for disposal; (5) disinfect all surrounding surfaces; (6) wash hands and clothing afterwards. See the full step-by-step guide on the Prevention page.
Can you get hantavirus from old or dried mouse droppings?
Yes. Hantavirus can survive in dried droppings indoors for several days. Sunlight degrades it faster, but enclosed dark spaces (attics, cabins, under furniture) preserve the virus longer. Always treat any rodent droppings as potentially infectious regardless of how old they appear.
Can cats or dogs get hantavirus or spread it to humans?
Cats and dogs are not known reservoir hosts for hantavirus and do not spread it to humans. However, pets can bring infected rodents (or their remains) into the home, increasing your indirect exposure risk. If your pet is a hunter, take care when disposing of rodent carcasses — wear gloves and a mask.
What is the 2026 hantavirus outbreak?
The 2026 outbreak is linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. As of WHO Disease Outbreak Notice DON599 (7 May 2026), there are 5 confirmed and 3 suspected cases with 3 deaths. The strain involved is Andes hantavirus — the only hantavirus known to spread between humans. Exposure likely occurred during shore excursions in endemic South American regions. WHO, PAHO, and local health authorities are investigating.
Is hantavirus airborne?
Hantavirus is transmitted via airborne particles (aerosols) from rodent excreta, but it is not transmitted like influenza or COVID-19 through casual respiratory contact between people. The virus becomes airborne when dried droppings or urine are disturbed and inhaled. It does not spread through sneezing, coughing, or general proximity to an infected person — except for Andes hantavirus, which can spread via close prolonged contact.
Which rodents carry hantavirus?
Different rodents carry different strains. In North America: the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) carries Sin Nombre virus, the main cause of HPS. In South America: the long-tailed pygmy rice rat and other sigmodontine rodents carry Andes and related viruses. In Europe: bank voles carry Puumala virus (the most common cause of HFRS in Europe). In Asia: striped field mice carry Hantaan virus. Not all rodents carry hantavirus — but any wild rodent should be treated as a potential risk.