Hantavirus is a rare but serious virus that has spread through dried rodent droppings, urine, and saliva. We have learned this airborne virus has been fatal in up to 35% of confirmed cases.
A current outbreak aboard a cruise ship traveling from South America to the Canary Islands has killed three people and infected several more. U.S. health officials have begun quarantining the affected American passengers at a federal facility in Nebraska. Metro Atlanta infectious disease specialist says hantavirus quarantine is the right move.
How does Hantavirus spread?
Hantavirus spreads through inhalation of rodent waste. The most common exposure scenarios are:
- Sweeping or vacuuming spaces where rodents have nested (cabins, sheds, basements, storage units)
- Disturbing nesting material in attics or crawl spaces
- Handing dead rodents without protection
- Sleeping or eating in areas with active rodent infestations
What are the symptoms of Hantavirus?
Symptoms can appear 1 to 8 weeks after exposure and progress in two phases.
Early Symptoms:
- Fever and chills
- Severe muscle aches (especially thighs, hips, back)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
Late Symptoms (4-10 days after first symptoms):
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Rapid breathing
- Chest tightness as fluid fills the lungs
- Low blood pressure
The late symptoms phase is medically urgent. Anyone with early-symptoms and known to rodent exposure should seek emergency care immediately.
How you can protect yourself from Hantavirus
For the general public, the risk is very low, but protective steps matter.
- Seal rodent entry points in homes, cabins, and outbuildings
- Never sweep or vacuum dry rodent droppings. West them with a bleach solution, wait 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels and dispose of in a sealed bag.
- Wear gloves and an N95 respirator when cleaning rodent-affected areas
- Air out closed cabins, sheds, and storage spaces for at least 30 minutes before entering
