Hantavirus is a rodent-borne viral disease transmitted primarily through inhalation of airborne particles from the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. In North America, the deer mouse is the principal carrier, shedding the virus into its environment without showing signs of illness.
Infection most commonly occurs in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces where contaminated material has been disturbed, such as during sweeping, vacuuming, or clearing rodent-infested areas. Person-to-person transmission is not a typical route of spread.
Once inhaled, the virus can progress to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory condition that can deteriorate rapidly. Initial symptoms, appearing between one and eight weeks after exposure, include fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches, particularly in the thighs, hips, and back, and may be accompanied by headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Within 24 to 48 hours, the illness can advance to coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Severe cases may involve acute respiratory distress syndrome, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate, requiring intensive care.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infection. Prevention centres on rodent control and safe hygiene practices. Key measures include sealing entry points in buildings, storing food in sealed containers, eliminating clutter that may serve as nesting sites, and conducting regular inspections of storage areas, sheds, and rural properties. When cleaning areas with evidence of rodent activity, the CDC advises using diluted bleach-based disinfectants rather than dry sweeping and wearing gloves and appropriate respiratory protection. Adequate ventilation before beginning any cleaning is also recommended to reduce the concentration of airborne particles.
Source: Patrick G. What Is Hantavirus? Symptoms, Causes, Transmission, Prevention. Popular Science, 6 May 2026. Based on guidance from the CDC and Mayo Clinic.
