Preventing Hantavirus
Hantavirus Fact Sheet
(PDF
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Transmission of hantavirus occurs through direct contact with infected rodents, rodent
droppings, nests, or inhalation of aerosolized virus particles from rodent
urine, droppings, or saliva. Rarely, infection may be acquired from rodent
bites or contamination of broken skin with rodent secretions.
The best way to avoid hantavirus includes measures to decrease
exposure to rodents in and around the home and workplace.
Eliminate food sources available to rodents, limit possible nesting
sites, and seal holes or other possible entrances for rodents.
It is also very important to take precautions when cleaning
areas with rodent activity.
Before entering areas with potential rodent infestations, open
windows and doors to ventilate the enclosure. Avoid stirring up or
breathing potentially contaminated dust. Dusty or dirty areas should
be moistened with a 10% (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) solution before being cleaned.
Brooms
and vacuum cleaners should never be used to clean rodent- infested
areas. Use a 10% bleach solution to disinfect dead rodents and wear
rubber gloves before handling them.
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Prevention Tips
- Prevent rodent entry in home.
- Reduce rodent activity around the home.
- Clean up areas of rodent infestation.
- Brooms
and vacuum cleaners should never be used to clean rodent infested
areas.
- Use a 10% bleach solution to disinfect dead rodents.
- Wear rubber gloves before handling dead rodents.
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