How Hantavirus Spreads From Rodents to Humans

The primary source of hantavirus infection is exposure to infected rodents. People may inhale tiny virus particles released into the air when sweeping or cleaning rodent-infested areas. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth or nose can also spread the virus. In rare cases, rodent bites may transmit infection. Unlike common viruses such as flu or COVID-19, most hantavirus strains do not spread easily between people.

• Main source: infected rodents and their waste.
• Risk increases when cleaning cabins, sheds, barns, or poorly ventilated spaces with rodent infestation.

Infection may occur by:

• Breathing contaminated dust
• Touching contaminated surfaces
• Rarely, rodent bites

Person-to-person spread is uncommon but has been reported with Andes virus.

Image credit: AI-generated image created with Google Gemini, May 10, 2026