How do people catch hantavirus?

People usually catch hantavirus from infected wild rodents, especially by breathing in tiny airborne particles from rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting material.

Common situations include:

• Sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings in a cabin, shed, garage, barn, attic, or crawlspace
• Opening or cleaning a closed-up building with rodent activity
• Handling contaminated bedding, boxes, insulation, firewood, or stored items
• Camping, hiking, or working in areas with rodent infestations

Less commonly, infection may happen if contaminated material gets into the eyes, nose, or mouth, through a rodent bite, or possibly from eating food contaminated by rodent waste.

Hantavirus is not usually spread from person to person. A notable exception is the Andes virus in parts of South America, which has been associated with person-to-person spread.

To reduce risk, don’t sweep or vacuum dry droppings. Ventilate the area, wet droppings/nests with disinfectant or bleach solution, wear gloves, and clean up carefully.