Hantavirus Disease Fact Sheet

Last Reviewed: May 2026

What is hantavirus disease?

Hantavirus disease is caused by several different strains of hantaviruses. Hantaviruses are found in wild rodents, such as mice and rats, in different parts of the world. Hantaviruses found in North America can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe lung disease which can be fatal. North American hantaviruses can also cause a milder form of the disease called Non-Pulmonary Hantavirus infection. In the U.S., human hantavirus infections were first identified in the Southwest in 1993. Although most cases have occurred in states west of the Mississippi River, sporadic (single) cases have been reported in several eastern states including New York.

Who gets hantavirus disease?

Hantavirus infections are rare in New York. More than 90% of hantavirus cases in the U.S. have occurred west of the Mississippi River. From 1995-2023, six New York State residents were diagnosed with hantavirus infection.

Anyone who comes into contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, saliva, nesting materials, or particles from these, can get hantavirus disease. Exposure to poorly ventilated areas with active rodent infestations is a major risk factor for infection. Entering rarely opened or seasonally closed buildings with rodent activity can also cause infection. In addition, visitors to rural areas and nature resorts, such as campers, hikers, and others who take part in outdoor activities, can become exposed to the virus.

Among documented U.S. cases of HPS, patients with potential occupational exposures have included grain farmers, an extension livestock specialist, field biologists, and agricultural, mill, construction, utility, and feedlot workers. Many of these individuals also had household exposures.

How is hantavirus spread?

Hantavirus is spread from wild rodents, particularly mice and rats, to people. The virus, which is found in rodent urine, saliva, and feces (poop), can be easily released in the air in confined spaces when disturbed by rodents or human activities, such as sweeping or vacuuming. Breathing in the virus is the most common way of getting infected; however, people can also become infected by touching their mouth or nose after handling contaminated (dirty or soiled) objects or surfaces. While rare, a rodent's bite can also spread the virus. The types of hantaviruses that have been found in the U.S. cannot be spread from one person to another.

Only one type of hantavirus, known as the Andes virus, has been known to spread from person to person. The Andes virus is found in rodents in Argentina and Chile.

What are the symptoms of hantavirus disease, and how long after infection do they appear?

Most often symptoms occur 9-33 days after the virus enters the body, but symptoms can appear as early as one week or as late as eight weeks. Early symptoms are general and include fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. Other symptoms may include headache, nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach), vomiting, diarrhea (loose stool/poop) and dizziness. As the illness progresses, the main symptoms of hantavirus infection are coughing and difficulty breathing, which is caused by fluid build-up in the lungs, which quickly progresses to an inability to breathe. Infected people sometimes die of respiratory failure. Mild illnesses not requiring hospitalization also have been reported.

How is hantavirus disease diagnosed?

Early diagnosis can be challenging since initial symptoms can be vague. It is important to talk to health care providers about possible exposure to rats or mice or their droppings. If a person reports a history of rodent exposure and is experiencing fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath, a physician may order a blood test to check for hantavirus infection.

Is there any treatment?

There is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for hantavirus disease. However, early supportive care including rest, hydration, and treatment of symptoms can improve survival. If a health care provider strongly suspects a patient has hantavirus disease, the patient should be immediately transferred to an emergency department or intensive care unit for close monitoring and care. Rapid diagnosis and supportive treatment have increased the chance of survival.

What is the best way to prevent exposure to hantaviruses?

• Avoid contact with rodent droppings or urine.
• Avoid touching live or dead rodents.
• Do not disturb rodents, burrows, or nests.
• The New York State Department of Health has created guidance on mice and rat control in the home and community.

What should be done to reduce exposure to hantavirus at home?

To reduce exposure to hantavirus around the home, prevent or eliminate rodent infestations. If rodents are in the home, consult an exterminator or your local health department for additional information on rodent removal and control. Additional tips for reducing exposure at home include:

• Use snap traps to eliminate rodents. Glue traps or live traps are not recommended because the rodent may defecate or urinate which might spread the virus.
• Set the snap traps in an empty container, such as a milk carton lying on its side or on newspaper, to prevent contact with droppings that could be infectious.
• Put on rubber or plastic gloves and wet down the used trap, box, or newspaper and rodent thoroughly with an Environmental Protection Agency-registered disinfectant or a household disinfectant solution (such as 1½ cups of bleach mixed in one gallon of water). Place all materials in a plastic bag for disposal.
• Wash hands with soap and water after completing the cleanup.
• Eliminate the conditions that attract rodents (improperly stored food, rubbish, etc.).
• Apply rodent-proofing measures to gaps and holes in the home to prevent rodent entry.

What is the best way to clean up rodent droppings?

When cleaning large amounts of rodent droppings/nest materials:

• Air out buildings/rooms with large amounts of rodent droppings by opening windows and doors before reentering the building. It is important to keep rodent dropping particles from getting into the air where they can be inhaled.
• Wearing rubber or plastic gloves, wet down the debris thoroughly with an Environmental Protection Agency-registered disinfectant or a household disinfectant solution (such as 1½ cups of bleach mixed in one gallon of water). A spray bottle with a fine mist is ideal for applying the solution.
• Wipe up the sprayed debris and place it in plastic bags for disposal, together with any cleanup materials such as paper towels.
• Do not use vacuum cleaners or sweep with brooms, which will create dust in the air.
• Wear disposable gloves, dust masks, long-sleeved clothing, and protective eyewear to help prevent personal exposure.
• Wash hands with soap and water after completing the cleanup.

Hantaviruses can survive in the environment for a few hours or days (for example, in dirt and dust in the shade or in rodent nests). They can be killed by most household disinfectants, such as bleach. Exposure to the sun's UV rays can also kill the virus.

What should be done to minimize the risk of hantavirus infection while camping?

• When staying in cabins that have not been used for some time, open them up to air them out for at least 30 minutes. Inspect for rodents and do not use cabins if there are signs of rodent infestation such as droppings or nests. If you must stay there, be sure to clean it out using the steps outlined above.
• If you sleep outdoors, check potential campsite grounds for rodent droppings and burrows.
• Avoid sleeping near woodpiles or garbage areas, where rodents are commonly found.
• Avoid sleeping on bare ground; use a tent with a floor, mat, or elevated cots, if available.
• Do not leave pet food in dishes which may attract rodents.
• Store food in rodent-proof containers; promptly discard, bury, or burn all garbage in accordance with campsite regulations.