How hantavirus spreads

Hantaviruses are zoonotic — each strain has a specific rodent host. Humans become infected primarily by inhaling aerosolized particles from contaminated rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Less common routes include rodent bites and ingestion of contaminated food.

Person-to-person spread

Most hantaviruses do not spread between people. The notable exception is Andes virus in Argentina and Chile, where person-to-person transmission has been documented in close-contact settings.

Rodent vectors by region

• North America: Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) — Sin Nombre virus
• South America: Long-tailed pygmy rice rat — Andes virus
• Northern Europe: Bank vole (Myodes glareolus) — Puumala virus
• Balkans/Russia: Yellow-necked mouse — Dobrava virus
• East Asia: Striped field mouse — Hantaan virus
• Worldwide (port cities): Brown rat — Seoul virus

Highest-risk activities

• Cleaning rodent-infested cabins, sheds, garages, barns
• Sweeping or vacuuming dry rodent droppings (creates aerosols)
• Disturbing nests in walls, attics, crawl spaces
• Camping or sleeping where rodents nest
• Rural agricultural work — grain storage, harvesting

See prevention guidance for safer cleaning and exposure-reduction practices.