Prevention Guide
The best protection is prevention. Learn how to reduce your risk of hantavirus exposure.
💡 Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through inhalation of aerosolized virus from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare (only documented for Andes virus).
At Home
- ✓Seal up holes inside and outside the home
- ✓Keep food in sealed containers
- ✓Clean up garbage and clutter
- ✓Set traps before rodent infestation grows
- ✓Keep pet food sealed and clean up spills
When Cleaning
- ✓Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- ✓Spray droppings with disinfectant before cleaning
- ✓Never sweep or vacuum dry droppings
- ✓Wear an N95 mask in dusty areas
- ✓Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning
Outdoors
- ✓Avoid rodent burrows and nests
- ✓Use tents with floors when camping
- ✓Sleep on elevated surfaces if possible
- ✓Don't leave food out overnight
- ✓Check cabins before occupancy
High-Risk Occupations
- ⚠Construction workers
- ⚠Pest control workers
- ⚠Farmers and ranchers
- ⚠Laboratory workers
- ⚠Park rangers and wildlife workers