Hantavirus Information: Symptoms, Precautions, Prevention
Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2014/10/16 - Updated: 2026/05/05
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Health - Related Publications
Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This informative article examines Hantavirus, a rodent-borne illness transmitted to humans primarily through contact with the urine, saliva, or droppings of infected deer mice. The piece outlines the virology behind the Bunyaviridae family, identifies Sin Nombre virus as the cause of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in North America, and details the flu-like symptoms that progress to respiratory distress within one to six weeks of exposure. Readers will find practical guidance on sealing buildings, safely cleaning rodent-infested areas with a 10 percent bleach solution, and reducing contact with wild rodents while camping or working outdoors - guidance that is particularly useful for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers who may be cleaning storage spaces, cabins, or rural properties where deer mice are present - Disabled World (DW).
- Topic Definition: Hantavirus
Orthohantavirus is the formal, scientific genus name for the viruses that cause human diseases like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), whereas "hantavirus" is the common name often used to refer to these specific pathogenic viruses. Both terms generally describe the same rodent-borne pathogens, with Orthohantavirus being the precise taxonomic classification. Hantavirus refers to a group of single-stranded, enveloped, negative-sense RNA viruses in the Bunyaviridae family that are carried by rodents and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings, most commonly by inhaling contaminated airborne particles. Certain strains cause serious human illnesses, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in the Americas and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) in parts of Asia and Europe, while infected rodents themselves typically remain asymptomatic carriers. The virus takes its name from the Hantan River region of South Korea, where an early outbreak was studied in the late 1970s.
Introduction
Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are carried by rodents. One of these, 'Sin Nombre virus,' is found in deer mice in North America. Sin Nombre virus is the cause of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in people.
Hantavirus is named for the Hantan River area in South Korea where an early outbreak was observed. The virus was isolated in the late 1970s by Karl M. Johnson and Ho-Wang Lee. Hantavirus is a single-stranded, enveloped, negative sense RNA viruses in the Bunyaviridae family. They normally infect rodents and don't cause disease in these hosts. Humans may become infected with hantaviruses through contact with rodent urine, saliva, or feces. Some strains of hantaviruses cause potentially fatal diseases in humans, such as Hantavirus hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), while others have not been associated with known human disease.
Deer mice excrete the virus in their saliva, urine and droppings. A person may become exposed to Hantavirus by breathing contaminated dust after disturbing or cleaning rodent nests or droppings, or by working or living in rodent-infested places. Pets, snakes and predators do not become infected and do not spread Hantavirus infection to people or other animals. In North America, there is no evidence that the disease spreads from one person to another.
Main Content
Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
A person may start to experience symptoms of HPS 1-6 weeks after they inhale the virus. The symptoms usually begin with 3-5 days of flu-like illness which includes symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Sore muscles
As the disease progresses, it causes shortness of breath due to fluids filling the affected person's lungs. The person usually requires care in a hospital setting. HPS is a serious disease and around 1 out of 3 people diagnosed with HPS have died.
The Deer Mouse
The deer mouse is approximately 6 inches long from its nose to the tip of its tail. It is grayish to light brown on top, has large ears, a white belly, as well as a furry tail that is white on the underside. There are a number of other types of mice that may carry Hantavirus that do not have these features.
The deer mouse, 'Peromyscus maniculatus,' is the main carrier of Hantavirus in the western portion of the United States. All wild rodents; however, should be avoided by people. Deer mice live in all parts of Washington State for example; yet mainly in rural areas. Deer mice pass the virus to each other and some of the population of deer mice is usually infected.
Despite the infection, deer mice do not become ill or experience any symptoms. In Washington State, around 14% of more than 1,100 tested deer mice were found to be infected with Sin Nombre virus. Since infected deer mice live throughout the state mentioned as an example, human instances of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) may occur in any part of the state. Between 1 and 5 people are found to be infected with HPS each year in Washington State.
Hantavirus and Infectious Longevity
The amount of time Hantaviruses can remain infectious in the environment is variable and depends on environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature, whether the virus itself is outdoors or indoors, or even on the diet the mouse has been consuming - which would affect the chemistry of the mouse's urine. What it comes down to is that a person cannot tell how old a dropping is, so all rodent droppings should be handled as if they are infectious. Areas with ongoing rodent infestation are especially at risk.
Prevention
HPS is a very serious disease and there are several ways you can help to prevent it. Keep rodents out of your home and place of work. Always take precautions when you are cleaning, sealing and trapping rodent-infested areas. Seal up cracks and gaps in buildings that are larger than 1/4 inch, to include window and door sills, underneath sinks and around pipes, in foundations, attics, and around any rodent entry hole. You can also clean up rodent-infested areas by pursuing the following suggestions:
- Wear rubber, latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves
- Do not stir up dust by sweeping, vacuuming, or by any other means
- Bury, burn, or throw out rodents in appropriate waste disposal systems
- Disinfect your gloves with disinfectant or soap and water before you take them off
- Spray dead rodents with disinfectant and then double-bag along with all cleaning materials
- Steam clean or shampoo upholstered furniture and carpets with evidence of exposure to rodents
- After you have taken off clean gloves, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub if soap is not available
Completely wet areas that are contaminated, to include trapped mice, droppings and nests, with a 10% bleach solution. Mix 1.5 cups of household bleach in 1 gallon of water. After everything is soaked for 10 minutes, remove all of the nesting material, mice or droppings with a damp towel and then mop or sponge the area with bleach solution.
Precautions to Use when Working, Hiking, or Camping Outdoors
People love the outdoors just as much as other forms of life. People also work outside in many different occupations. Some recommended precautions to pursue while working, hiking, or camping outdoors related to Hantavirus and HPS include the following:
- Do not sweep out infested cabins
- Do not handle or feed wild rodents
- Keep food in rodent-proof containers
- Use tents with floors or a ground cloth
- If you can, do not sleep on the bare ground
- Air out shelters and cabins and then check for signs of rodent infestation
- Do not pitch tents or place sleeping bags near rodent droppings or burrows
- Follow the guidelines for disinfecting shelters or cabins before sleeping in them
- Avoid coming into contact with rodents, their burrows or dens such as pack rat nests
- Handle trash according to site restrictions and keep it in rodent-proof containers until you dispose of it
If you have been exposed to rodents or rodent infested buildings and experience a fever, shortness of breath and muscle aches - visit your health care provider at once. Inform your health care provider of your potential rodent exposure so they are alerted to the possibility of rodent-borne diseases such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: Hantavirus remains a low-frequency but high-consequence illness, with roughly one in three diagnosed HPS cases proving fatal, which makes prevention far more practical than treatment. The straightforward precautions covered here - rodent-proofing the home, avoiding dry sweeping of contaminated areas, and wetting droppings with disinfectant before removal - are accessible measures anyone can take, and they carry added weight for individuals with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems who may face greater risk from exposure. Anyone who has handled rodents or worked in rodent-infested spaces and later develops fever, muscle aches, or shortness of breath should contact a healthcare provider promptly and mention the possible exposure - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.