Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses belonging to the family Hantaviridae and rely on specific rodent species as hosts. Hantaviruses are maintained in nature by specific rodent reservoir species. Infected rodents typically show no signs of illness but shed virus in their urine, feces, and saliva. This can become a public health risk if humans come in contact in excreta contaminated environments. ^4,6

Hantaviruses can cause two syndromes. In the Western Hemisphere, hantavirus infections can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)—also called Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS)—a rapidly progressive disease affecting the lungs and heart. In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses primarily cause Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which mainly affects the kidneys and vascular system. ^6,8

Transmission to humans most commonly occurs when virus containing particles become aerosolized during activities such as sweeping, vacuuming, or disturbing rodent contaminated materials. Less common routes include direct contact with contaminated surfaces, rodent bites, or ingestion of contaminated food. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare. ^4,6

Which rodent species carry Hantavirus?

In the United States, the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is the primary carrier of Hantavirus. Other possible carriers include White-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), Rice rat (Oryzomys palustris), and Cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus). Some of the most common rodents found around human habitations are not known to transmit hantavirus, including the house mouse (Mus musculus), roof rat (Rattus rattus) and Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus).²

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) can start showing symptoms after an incubation period typically ranging from 1 to 8 weeks. Early symptoms of HPS resemble influenza or other viral illnesses, which can delay accurate diagnosis. Common early symptoms include: 

• Fever and chills 
  
• Fatigue 
  
• Muscle aches (particularly in large muscle groups) 
  
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea^1,7 

In Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, disease can progress rapidly to the late stage in four to 10 days. Later symptoms may include: 

• Cough and shortness of breath 
  
• Rapid breathing or respiratory distress 
  
• Fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Low blood pressure and shock 

Hantaviruses can also cause Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). In these cases, symptoms begin to show sooner, around one to two weeks from exposure. Severity of the disease depends on the specific virus, but initial symptoms include: 

• Back and abdominal pain 
  
• Fever, chills, nausea
• Intense headaches and blurred vision  

Later symptoms include: 

• Low blood pressure or lack of blood flow 
  
• Internal bleeding 
• Acute kidney failure 

Hantavirus diseases can be severe, and early hospitalization with intensive supportive care is often critical for survival. There is no specific antiviral cure, making early recognition and prevention essential. ^4,9,11  

Because hantavirus is transmitted primarily through environmental exposure, control strategies focus on rodent management, exclusion, sanitation, and safe cleaning and sanitation practices. 

Key control measures include: 

Rodent Prevention and Exclusion 

• Seal gaps and entry points in buildings. 
  
• Eliminate food sources by proper waste handling and food storage. 
  
• Reduce clutter and nesting sites in and around structures.³ 
• Work with certified pest control operators to manage and prevent infestations.  

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection 

• To avoid aerosolizing viral particles, do not sweep or vacuum rodent contaminated areas. 
  
• Use wet cleaning methods with an EPA‑registered disinfectant or bleach solution to fully saturate droppings, urine, or nesting materials before removal.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and a mask during cleanup activities.⁵ 

Risk Reduction in Occupational and High‑Exposure Settings 

• Educate workers on hantavirus risks and symptoms. 
  
• Implement enhanced PPE and respiratory protection when heavy infestations or rodent handling is anticipated.
• Establish procedures for safe cleanup, waste disposal, and incident reporting. ¹⁰ 

It is worth noting that old rodent droppings may still contain traces of hantavirus. While the virus may degrade over time, all preventative steps should still be taken when cleaning areas with old rodent droppings. ⁴ 

There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infection. Public health prevention relies on reducing rodent human interaction and minimizing environmental contamination. ⁶ 

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Hantavirus [cdc.gov], 
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Facts About Hantaviruses. [https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/11878/cdc_11878_DS1.pdf] 
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) [cdc.gov], 
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hantavirus Prevention [cdc.gov] 
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How to Clean Up After Rodents.     [cdc.gov], 
6. World Health Organization (WHO). Hantavirus – Fact Sheet (May 2026). [who.int] 
7. Mayo Clinic. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes. [mayoclinic.org] 
8. American Lung Association. Learn About Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. [lung.org] 
9. Cleveland Clinic. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: Causes & Treatment. [my.clevela...clinic.org] 
10. National Park Service (NPS). Hantavirus Fact Sheet and Cleaning Guidance. [nps.gov] 
11. Hantavirus in humans: a review of clinical aspects and management - The Lancet Infectious Diseases (Vial et.al, 2023) 
12. Modeling and Optimal Control on the Spread of Hantavirus Infection (Yusof et. Al, 2019)