How humans catch hantavirus
Humans most often catch hantavirus by inhaling aerosolized particles from infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, especially when rodent-contaminated dust is stirred up in enclosed spaces. 1
Primary transmission route
- Inhalation of aerosolized excreta/secretions from infected rodents (e.g., deer mice in the Americas; bank voles, Norway rats elsewhere) during sweeping, cleaning, or entering rodent-infested buildings, cabins, barns, sheds, or storage areas 1.
- Less common routes:
Person-to-person transmission
- Not seen with Old World hantaviruses (HFRS) or with typical U.S. HPS cases 1.
- Important exception: Andes virus in South America can spread person-to-person, including in healthcare and close-contact clusters; recent outbreaks reaffirm this risk and justify isolation precautions when ANDV is suspected 1, 2, 3, 4.
High-risk scenarios to avoid (to reduce morbidity, mortality, and protect quality of life)
- Entering/cleaning rodent-infested cabins or outbuildings; disturbing rodent nests/excreta at home or work; handling stored equipment with rodent contamination; camping or sleeping on rodent-contaminated ground; handling wild mice without gloves; keeping captive wild rodents 1.
Practical caveats and pitfalls
- Do not dry sweep or vacuum rodent-infested areas; this aerosolizes virus. Wet down with disinfectant first and use appropriate PPE; bleach or household disinfectants inactivate the virus, which survives less than a week indoors and only hours in sunlight outdoors 1.
- Pets (cats/dogs) can bring infected rodents into contact with humans; fleas aren’t known to transmit hantavirus, but rodent flea control matters for plague risk if doing rodent control concurrently 1.
- General public risk in North America is low (tens of HPS cases/year), but exposure events can be fatal; prevention is the best strategy for mortality/QOL benefit 1.
If Andes virus is possible (epidemiology or exposure)