Hantaviruses are a group of viruses mainly carried by certain rodents. In the United States this includes some rats and mice. Hantavirus infection can cause different syndromes.
Hantavirus spreads by breathing in infected rodents' saliva, urine, droppings, or nesting materials that are in the air. It is rare that a rodent bite could cause hantavirus. It is typically not spread from person to person.
Signs and Symptoms
- Fever and Chills
- Muscle Pain
- Headache
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cough
Symptoms can also include dizziness. In severe cases, shortness of breath and cough could lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and severe lack of oxygen in the blood. Symptoms usually start one to eight weeks after exposure.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these signs and symptoms after contact with rodents. There is no treatment for hantavirus.
Prevent Hantavirus
The best way to prevent hantavirus is to remove the food sources, water, and items that provide shelter for rodents.
- Seal Up -- Seal off holes or gaps inside and outside the house
- Trap Up -- Use snap traps to catch rats and mice
- Clean Up -- Get rid of possible rodent food sources
To clean up evidence of rodents:
- Open doors and windows to let fresh air in for at least 30 minutes before cleaning the area
- Wear gloves and a dust mask before cleaning
- Never use a vacuum cleaner or broom to clean dropping or nesting materials
- Spray rodent droppings with bleach and water and then use a paper towel to pick up urine and droppings
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Additional Resources:
You can also call Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821