What is hantavirus primarily associated with?

Hantavirus is primarily associated with exposure to rodent feces, urine, or saliva. When these materials are disturbed, they can become aerosolized, meaning they can be inhaled into the respiratory tract. This inhalation is a significant route of transmission for hantavirus, leading to severe respiratory illnesses such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).

Rodents, especially deer mice, are known carriers of the virus, and they shed the virus in their waste. Occupied areas where rodent activity has been present, such as sheds, cabins, or barns, can pose a risk if proper precautions are not taken during cleaning or renovation activities. Understanding the transmission pathways of hantavirus is crucial for prevention, emphasizing the importance of controlling rodent populations and implementing safe cleaning practices to mitigate the risks associated with rodent exposure.