Hantavirus Prevention Guide
Evidence-based steps to reduce rodent exposure and protect yourself and your family.
How Hantavirus Spreads
Inhaling contaminated air
The primary route of infection globally. Stirring up dust from dried rodent droppings, urine, or nesting material releases virus particles into the air.
Direct contact
Touching rodent droppings or urine, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth — or through cuts or open wounds.
Rodent reservoir hosts
Different rodents carry different strains. Deer mice carry Sin Nombre (North America); long-tailed pygmy rice rats carry Andes virus (South America); bank voles carry Puumala (Europe); striped field mice carry Hantaan (Asia).
Human-to-human (Andes only)
The Andes hantavirus — responsible for the 2026 MV Hondius outbreak — is the only known hantavirus strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission through prolonged close contact. All other strains do not spread this way.
Safe Cleaning Procedure
Follow these steps when cleaning areas with evidence of rodent activity (droppings, nesting, gnaw marks).
Protect yourself before entering
- ›Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- ›Wear an N95 respirator (not a surgical mask)
- ›Wear goggles if significant dust is expected
- ›Wear disposable overalls or clothes that can be washed immediately
Ventilate the space
- ›Open doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before entering
- ›Let fresh air circulate — do not use fans that could circulate contaminated dust
- ›Leave the area while ventilating
Wet everything before cleaning
- ›Prepare a disinfectant: 1 part bleach to 10 parts water (or commercial disinfectant)
- ›Spray all droppings, urine, and nesting material thoroughly — never sweep or vacuum dry
- ›Allow to soak for at least 5 minutes
Clean and bag waste
- ›Use paper towels to wipe up soaked material
- ›Place all waste into a sealed plastic bag
- ›Place that bag inside a second plastic bag
- ›Dispose in an outdoor rubbish bin
Disinfect all surfaces
- ›Spray and wipe all surfaces that may have been contaminated
- ›Mop hard floors — do not sweep
- ›Steam clean or shampoo carpets and upholstery if contaminated
Clean up and dispose safely
- ›Remove gloves and place directly into a bag for disposal
- ›Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20+ seconds
- ›Wash all clothing worn during cleanup immediately in hot water
- ›Shower after completing cleanup
Rodent-Proofing Your Home
Seal entry points
- ›Seal all holes larger than a pencil width with steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth
- ›Seal gaps around pipes, cables, and drains entering the home
- ›Check under and around doors — add weatherstripping if gaps exist
- ›Screen vents and chimney openings
Remove food sources
- ›Store food in metal or thick plastic containers with tight-fitting lids
- ›Clean up crumbs and spills immediately
- ›Do not leave pet food out overnight
- ›Use bins with lids; clean them regularly
Remove nesting opportunities
- ›Keep firewood, compost, and debris away from the exterior of the home
- ›Clear dense vegetation near foundations
- ›Store boxes and items off the floor in storage areas
- ›Check rarely-used storage areas, cabins, and sheds seasonally
Outdoor activities
- ›Do not set up camp near rodent burrows, droppings, or dense cover
- ›Avoid sleeping directly on the ground
- ›Air out unused cabins and camping gear before use
- ›Do not handle wild rodents
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hantavirus spread from person to person?
For most strains — no. Sin Nombre virus (North America) and all HFRS strains (Europe/Asia) are not known to spread person-to-person. However, the Andes hantavirus (South America) is the single known exception: it can spread through prolonged, close contact with an infected person. The 2026 MV Hondius outbreak involves Andes virus. Source: WHO DON599, May 2026.
Is there a vaccine or specific treatment for HPS?
There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HPS. Treatment is supportive — managing oxygen levels, blood pressure, and fluids, often in an ICU setting. Early medical care significantly improves survival odds.
How long does hantavirus survive in the environment?
Studies suggest hantavirus can survive in indoor environments for several days at room temperature. Sunlight and disinfectants deactivate it relatively quickly. Always treat potentially contaminated materials as hazardous.
Do all rodents carry hantavirus?
No. In North America, the primary host is the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). Other species like cotton rats and rice rats are linked to other hantavirus strains. Many rodents carry no hantavirus at all.
Should I call pest control before cleaning up an infestation?
If the infestation is significant, yes. Professional pest control services are familiar with safe procedures. For small infestations, following CDC-recommended cleaning procedures is appropriate.