Prevention and risk reduction
There is no licensed vaccine for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or Andes virus, so prevention rests on eliminating rodent contact and using appropriate respiratory precautions when cleaning potentially contaminated spaces. Person-to-person ANDV transmission can be controlled with standard plus airborne precautions.
Rodent-proof your home and outbuildings
Seal all openings larger than a quarter-inch (6 mm) with steel wool, metal flashing or hardware cloth — mice can fit through openings as small as a pencil width. Pay particular attention to gaps around pipes, vents, foundations and rooflines. Keep food in rodent-proof containers, including pet food. Eliminate water sources, and store firewood at least 30 meters from buildings on raised supports.
Safe cleanup of rodent-contaminated areas
Never sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, nesting material or dead rodents. These activities aerosolize virus particles. Before entering an enclosed space that may be contaminated (cabin, shed, attic), open doors and windows for at least 30 minutes to ventilate. Wear an N95 respirator (or better), latex/nitrile gloves and goggles. Spray droppings and nesting material with a 1:10 bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or commercial disinfectant labeled for hantavirus, let it soak for at least 5 minutes, then pick up with paper towels and seal in a double plastic bag for disposal.
Outdoor exposure
When hiking, camping or working in endemic areas, avoid disturbing rodent burrows and choose campsites away from rodent activity, brush piles and rocky outcrops where rodents shelter. Sleep on a cot rather than on the ground, store food in sealed containers, and dispose of food waste promptly. Be especially cautious when entering structures that have been closed for prolonged periods.
Preventing person-to-person ANDV transmission
When ANDV is suspected, hospitals should isolate patients in single rooms with the door closed and use standard, contact and airborne precautions: N95 respirator, gown, gloves and eye protection. Negative-pressure rooms are preferred where available. Household contacts of confirmed cases should be monitored daily for fever for 42 days from last exposure and instructed to seek care immediately if symptoms develop. There is no chemoprophylaxis of established efficacy.
Travel considerations
Travelers to Argentina, Chile, Patagonia, the western United States and southwestern Canada should avoid sleeping in obviously rodent-infested rural structures. Risk to the average tourist staying in well-maintained accommodations is very low. During active outbreaks, follow guidance from national health agencies regarding affected regions.
- •Seal openings >6 mm and store food in rodent-proof containers
- •Never sweep or vacuum droppings — wet them first with bleach solution
- •N95 + gloves + goggles for any cleanup of contaminated spaces
- •ANDV-suspected patients need single-room airborne+contact isolation
- •Household contacts of ANDV cases should be monitored 42 days
FAQ
Does a regular cloth mask prevent hantavirus?+
No. Hantavirus aerosols require an N95 or higher respirator with proper fit. Cloth and surgical masks are not adequate for cleanup activities.
Is bleach effective against hantavirus?+
Yes. A 10% bleach solution (1:10) inactivates hantaviruses within minutes of contact. Quaternary ammonium disinfectants labeled for enveloped viruses also work.