Prevention — Hantavirus

Rodent-proofing buildings

• Seal all holes and gaps larger than 6mm (¼ inch) in foundations, walls, and roofs
• Use steel wool, wire mesh, or caulk to block entry points
• Keep food in rodent-proof containers with tight lids
• Dispose of rubbish regularly in sealed bins
• Trim vegetation at least 30cm (12 inches) from building foundations
• Elevate firewood and stored materials at least 30cm off the ground

Ventilation before entering enclosed spaces

Before entering any enclosed space that may be rodent-infested (cabins, barns, sheds, attics, crawl spaces, storage units):

1. Open all doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before entering
2. Leave the space and allow it to air out
3. If possible, use a fan or natural cross-ventilation
4. Do not enter until the space has been thoroughly ventilated

Wet-cleaning instead of sweeping

Wet-cleaning procedure:

1. Wear disposable gloves and an N95 (or higher) mask
2. Prepare a disinfectant solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water, or a commercial disinfectant)
3. Spray droppings, urine, and nesting materials until thoroughly wet
4. Let the disinfectant sit for at least 5 minutes
5. Wipe up with paper towels or a disposable cloth
6. Place all materials in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of in an outdoor bin
7. Wash gloved hands with disinfectant, then remove gloves and wash bare hands with soap and water

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When working in high-risk environments (rodent-infested areas, cleaning up after rodents, working in endemic regions):

• N95 mask or higher (half-face respirator with P100 filters for heavy exposure)
• Disposable gloves (rubber, vinyl, or nitrile)
• Eye protection (goggles or face shield)
• Long-sleeved clothing and boots

Avoiding close contact (Andes-specific)

For Andes virus — the only hantavirus with documented person-to-person transmission:

• Avoid close contact with confirmed or suspected hantavirus patients
• Healthcare workers should use airborne infection isolation precautions
• Isolate confirmed cases in negative-pressure rooms when available
• Contact tracing of exposed individuals should begin immediately

Sources

1. CDC. Cleaning Up After Rodents. CDC Cleaning
2. CDC. Preventing the Disease. CDC Prevention
3. PAHO. Hantavirus: Prevention and Control. PAHO
4. WHO. Hantavirus: Prevention. WHO