🐭 Hantavirus

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious illness caused by hantaviruses, which are carried by certain wild rodents. In the United States, the primary carrier is the deer mouse. Colorado and other western states report cases each year.

How Hantavirus Spreads

• Breathing in dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva
• Handling rodents or rodent nests without proper protection
• In rare cases, bites from infected rodents

Human-to-human transmission does not occur with hantaviruses found in North America.

Symptoms

Illness usually develops 1 to 8 weeks after exposure. Symptoms often start mild but progress quickly:

• Early symptoms: fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• Later symptoms: coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup in the lungs leading to severe respiratory distress

HPS can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical care.

Who Is at Risk?

• People cleaning cabins, sheds, or barns that have been closed for months
• Campers and hikers in rodent-infested areas
• Homeowners cleaning up rodent infestations
• Farm and construction workers exposed to dust in rodent habitats

Prevention

• Keep homes, cabins, and outbuildings rodent-free
• Seal gaps and holes where rodents can enter
• Store food in rodent-proof containers
• When cleaning rodent-contaminated areas:
  • Air out closed buildings before entering
  • Wear gloves and a mask
  • Spray urine and droppings with disinfectant—do not sweep or vacuum
  • Use bleach solution or household disinfectant for cleanup

What to Do If Exposed

If you develop fever, muscle aches, or breathing difficulties after possible rodent exposure, seek medical care immediately and inform your provider about the potential hantavirus exposure.

Learn More

Visit the CDC’s Hantavirus Information Page for more details.