How Serious Is the Health Risk of Hantavirus from Rodent Exposure?

Hantavirus is a potentially life-threatening illness transmitted to humans primarily through contact with infected rodents, especially their urine, droppings, or saliva. Inhaling dust particles contaminated by these secretions is one of the most common ways the virus is spread. The most serious form of the disease is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which can cause severe respiratory distress and has a high fatality rate if not diagnosed and treated early.

The virus is most commonly associated with wild rodents like deer mice, which can be found in both rural and suburban environments. Once infected, a person may initially experience flu-like symptoms—fever, muscle aches, and fatigue—but within days, symptoms can escalate rapidly to shortness of breath and fluid buildup in the lungs.

Because there is no specific cure or vaccine for hantavirus, prevention is critical. This includes sealing up rodent entry points in the home, cleaning up infestations using protective measures (never sweeping or vacuuming droppings), and being cautious in high-risk areas like barns, sheds, and rural homes.

In summary, hantavirus is a very serious health risk, though relatively rare. The severity of the disease makes awareness and prevention essential, especially in areas where rodent populations are high.