Hantavirus
This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about Hantavirus.
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses carried by rodents, including mice. Certain types of hantaviruses can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Though rare, HPS is deadly. There have been no recorded cases of HPS transmission from one person to another. People must get the virus directly from rodent urine or feces. Hantavirus is extremely rare in the Boston area.
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The basics
How is it spread?
Only some types of mice and rats can carry the hantaviruses that cause HPS. In North America, these include the deer mouse, the white-footed mouse, the rice rat, and the cotton rat. Rodents and other pets from pet stores are not known to carry hantavirus.
Since it is difficult to tell if a mouse or rat is carrying the disease, it is best to stay away from all wild mice and rats.
Mice and rats spread the virus in their urine and feces. Infection happens when a person touches mouse or rat urine, droppings, or nesting materials that contain the virus and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus may also spread when dried materials contaminated by rodent feces get into broken skin or the eyes, nose, or mouth. Rarely, people can also get HPS from a mouse or rat bite. Hantavirus cannot spread from person to person.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who comes into contact with rodent urine or feces containing hantavirus is at risk of developing HPS, including people who are otherwise very healthy. Some activities will increase the risk of exposure, such as:
- Cleaning out garages, storage facilities, or barns that were vacant during the winter
- Cleaning a home that may have housed mice or rats
- Working in construction, utility, or pest control jobs
- Hiking and camping in areas where mice or rats may live
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)?
Symptoms of HPS develop 1 to 5 weeks after exposure to a mouse or rat that carried a hantavirus. People may first experience fever, severe muscle aches, and fatigue. Headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain may also develop early. Four to ten days after initial illness, cough, and shortness of breath may develop.
What should I do if I think I have HPS?
If you think you may have been exposed to a hantavirus and are experiencing flu-like symptoms in addition to shortness of breath, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis of HPS can be difficult because early symptoms are easily confused with seasonal influenza. Your doctor will ask you about your history of possible contact with mice or rats.
Prevention
How can I prevent HPS?
The best way to prevent HPS is to avoid contact with mice and rats. This includes removing them from your home and sealing all openings greater than ¼ inch to prevent them from entering. You should remove trash, food sources, and dense shrubbery that are within 100 feet of your home so that mice and rats will not create nests near your home. Store all food and garbage in tightly sealed containers.
How should you clean rodent urine or dropping in a house?
Clean all mouse and rat urine, droppings, and nesting materials with a strong disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water. Let the area soak for 5 minutes before drying.
Be sure not to sweep or vacuum the urine, droppings, or nests. This will stir the virus particles making them airborne, where you can potentially breath them in. Always wear a mask and protective gloves when cleaning materials that may contain mouse or rat urine, droppings, or nesting materials.
How should I dispose of a dead rodent?
Always wear rubber or plastic gloves when handling a dead animal. Spray the dead rodent and surrounding area with a strong disinfectant or mixture of bleach and water. You should allow the animal to soak for 5 minutes before placing it in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Next, place the full bag into another sealed bag and throw it into a trashcan that is regularly emptied. Remember to wash your hands and dispose of the gloves without touching other surfaces.
Click here for more information about hantavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Treatment
How is it treated?
To date, there is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for HPS. If detected early, supportive treatment can help people recover. The treatment will be less effective once someone is experiencing more severe symptoms.
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Have questions or want to connect?
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1010 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
