Overview

Hantavirus is a virus mainly linked to infected rodents.

• It can cause serious lung or kidney illness.
• Risk depends on the virus type and the region.
• Early symptoms can look like flu.

How It Spreads

• Breathing dust contaminated by rodent urine or droppings.
• Touching contaminated surfaces, then your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Bites or direct contact can happen, but are less common.
• Most hantaviruses do not spread easily between people.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

• People living or working where rodents are present.
• Anyone cleaning attics, basements, sheds, cabins, or garages.
• Farm, forestry, warehouse, and pest control workers.
• Campers, hikers, and others spending time in rural areas.

How to Protect Yourself

• Seal holes and gaps where rodents can enter.
• Store food safely and keep waste sealed.
• Do not sweep dry droppings; wet and disinfect first.
• Use gloves and wash hands after cleanup.

Symptoms

• Fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache.
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness.
• Cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath are urgent signs.
• Seek medical help quickly after possible rodent exposure.

When Symptoms Can Start

• Symptoms may appear days or weeks after exposure.
• Early illness can look like flu or another viral infection.
• Breathing problems or kidney-related signs need urgent care.

Possible Exposure

• Recent rodent contact at home, work, or while traveling.
• Cleaning basements, attics, garages, sheds, or cabins.
• Contact with droppings, urine, dust, or nesting material.

Markers and Signals

• A marker may reflect an alert, news report, or official update.
• Marker counts are signals, not guaranteed confirmed case totals.
• Use official public health sources for final guidance.