Hantavirus

Alternative Names

Prevention

Avoid exposure to rodent urine and feces. When hiking and camping, pitch tents in areas without rodent droppings, avoid rodent dens, drink disinfected water, and sleep on a ground cover and pad.

Keeping a clean home diminishes the chance of contracting hantavirus. This includes clearing out potential nesting sites and maintaining a clean kitchen.

If you must work in an area where contact is possible, follow these recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

1. When opening an unused cabin, shed, or other building, open all the doors and windows, exit the building, and allow the space to air out for 30 minutes.
2. Return to the building and spray the surfaces, carpet, and other areas with a disinfectant. Leave the building for an additional 30 minutes.
3. Spray mouse nests and droppings with a 10% solution of chlorine bleach or equivalent disinfectant, allow to sit 30 minutes, and using rubber gloves place the materials in plastic bags, seal, and dispose of the bags in the trash or incinerator. Dispose of gloves and cleaning materials in the same manner.
4. Wash all potentially contaminated hard surfaces with a bleach or disinfectant solution. Vacuuming should be avoided until the area has been thoroughly decontaminated and then should only be done (the first few times) with adequate ventilation. Surgical masks may provide some protection.