Hantaviruses are carried by wild rodents and spread through contact with aerosolized urine or other body fluids. Bites from infected animals can also transmit the disease. Species most commonly associated with carrying the virus in the United States include the deer mouse, the white footed mouse, the cotton rat, the rice rat and the Norway rat. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is characterized by a rapid onset of fever, chills and body aches followed by cough and respiratory failure. It is 40% fatal.

Prevention

• Use extreme caution in handling wild rodents, their excreta or bedding.
• Use gloves when handling live or dead rodents.
• Use respiratory protection if risk of exposure is significant. Dust masks have not been shown to be effective in protection against exposure.