Hantavirus Infection Prevention and Treatment

Introduction to Hantavirus

Hantavirus infection can be prevented by reducing rodent shelter and food sources, such as keeping food and water covered in rodent-proof containers, storing pet food properly, and disposing of trash frequently, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1
Rodent-proofing homes by sealing all entry holes >¼-inch in diameter, using appropriate materials, and installing barriers around foundations can also prevent hantavirus infection, according to the CDC 1

To prevent hantavirus infection, the CDC recommends wearing protective gloves, spraying rodent droppings with disinfectant, and disinfecting all potentially contaminated surfaces 1
Ventilating the building for at least 30 minutes before entering, wearing comprehensive PPE, and double-bagging all waste materials can also prevent hantavirus infection, as advised by the CDC 1
The CDC suggests using commercial household disinfectants or a freshly prepared chlorine solution to disinfect surfaces and prevent hantavirus infection 1
Insect repellent containing DEET can be used when handling rodents to prevent plague transmission from fleas in the western United States, according to the CDC 1

Employers should provide education about transmission and symptoms, comprehensive medical screening and surveillance, appropriate respiratory protection, and proper protective equipment for individuals with frequent rodent exposure, as recommended by the CDC 1
Personal protective equipment, such as rubber, latex, vinyl, or nitrile gloves, coveralls, respiratory protection, protective goggles, and rubber boots, should be worn when dealing with heavy rodent infestations, according to the CDC 1

No person-to-person transmission has been documented for most hantaviruses, with the exception of some evidence for Andes virus, according to the World Health Organization
No licensed vaccine is available in many countries, including Germany, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Individuals with recent exposure to rodents or their excreta are at high risk for hantavirus infection, as stated by the CDC 2, 1
Exposed individuals should be monitored for 45 days after potential exposure and instructed to seek immediate medical attention if febrile or respiratory illness develops, as advised by the CDC 1

Workers frequently exposed to rodents, such as those in pest control, forestry, and agriculture, should receive employer-provided education about transmission and symptoms, comprehensive medical screening and surveillance, appropriate respiratory protection, and proper use of protective equipment, as recommended by the CDC 1
Healthcare providers should be informed of potential hantavirus exposure, according to the CDC 1

A disinfection protocol should be followed, including wetting all droppings and nests with disinfectant before removal, never sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings, and using a commercial disinfectant or 1:10 bleach solution, as recommended by the CDC 1
Waste disposal should be done by double-bagging all waste materials, labeling as infectious, and disposing according to local regulations, as instructed by the CDC 1