The best way to prevent hantavirus infection is to avoid exposure to rodents and their urine, droppings, saliva, and nesting material.
The highest-risk moments often happen when people clean dusty, rodent-contaminated spaces incorrectly. Do not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings before proper disinfection, because that can stir contaminated particles into the air.
Quick prevention checklist
- Avoid contact with rodent urine, droppings, saliva, nests, and dead rodents.
- Do not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings before disinfecting.
- Ventilate closed spaces before cleaning.
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves when cleaning.
- Spray droppings and contaminated material with disinfectant until very wet.
- Let disinfectant sit according to label instructions.
- Wipe up droppings with paper towels and dispose of them safely.
- Wash gloved hands before removing gloves.
- Wash hands with soap and warm water after removing gloves.
- Seal openings where rodents can enter.
- Store food securely.
- Reduce clutter and nesting places.
Why cleaning can create risk
Hantaviruses are mainly spread from rodents to people. When fresh urine, droppings, or nesting material from an infected rodent are stirred up, virus-containing particles can get into the air. A person can become infected by breathing contaminated air.
That is why safe cleaning focuses on wetting and disinfecting contaminated material before it is moved.
What not to do
Avoid these actions before disinfecting:
- Do not sweep rodent droppings.
- Do not vacuum rodent droppings.
- Do not use compressed air on contaminated dust.
- Do not shake out contaminated fabric indoors.
- Do not handle dead rodents or nests with bare hands.
- Do not clean heavy infestations casually without proper protective precautions.
Basic cleaning steps for small amounts of droppings
For small cleanup situations, follow official public-health guidance. A general version of the process is:
- Put on rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray urine and droppings with a household disinfectant or bleach solution until very wet.
- Let the area soak for the time listed on the disinfectant label.
- Use paper towels to wipe up the material.
- Throw paper towels into a covered garbage can.
- Mop or sponge the area with disinfectant.
- Wash gloved hands before removing gloves.
- Wash hands with soap and warm water after removing gloves.
For heavy infestations, contaminated ventilation systems, or complex cleanup situations, contact local health authorities or qualified professionals.
Ventilating closed spaces
If you are opening a closed cabin, shed, barn, garage, storage unit, or outbuilding, ventilate the space before cleaning. CDC guidance for homes and outbuildings recommends opening doors and windows for 30 minutes before cleaning and leaving the area during that time.
After ventilation, inspect for rodent waste and clean using disinfectant and gloves.
Homes, cabins, sheds, and barns
Higher-risk spaces include buildings that have been closed for a long time or show signs of rodents. Before cleaning:
- Air out the space.
- Look for droppings, nests, gnaw marks, and dead rodents.
- Wear gloves.
- Wet contaminated material with disinfectant.
- Avoid raising dust.
- Dispose of contaminated porous items if they cannot be safely cleaned.
- Clean hard surfaces with disinfectant.
Vehicles, campers, and stored equipment
Rodents may nest in vehicles, campers, boats, and stored equipment. Before using a vehicle that may have rodent activity:
- Air it out.
- Inspect for nesting material, droppings, and dead rodents.
- Do not use a vacuum or high-pressure sprayer before disinfecting.
- Disinfect contaminated areas before removing material.
- Consider professional help for air intakes, ventilation systems, or heavy contamination.
Reducing future rodent risk
Prevention is not just cleanup. It also means reducing rodent access.
Practical steps include:
- Seal holes and gaps.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Remove trash and food waste promptly.
- Keep storage areas organized.
- Reduce clutter that can become nesting material.
- Use appropriate rodent-control measures.
- Seek pest-control help for persistent infestations.
Andes virus prevention
Andes virus can spread through rodent exposure and, rarely, close contact with a sick person. If public-health authorities identify you as a contact in an Andes virus investigation, follow their instructions.
CDC recommends reducing person-to-person risk by washing hands frequently, maintaining distance from someone who may have Andes virus, and avoiding kissing, sexual contact, shared drinks, shared smoking or vaping items, shared utensils, and shared plates or bowls with someone who may have Andes virus.
When to get help
Contact a healthcare provider if you think a recent illness may be related to rodent exposure. Tell them specifically about the exposure.
Contact your local health department if you have questions about a specific cleanup situation, heavy infestation, workplace exposure, or possible Andes virus contact.