What is the Hantavirus and how to stay safe ?

Hantavirus is a serious respiratory illness that doesn’t spread like a typical cold. Most people get sick by breathing in dust contaminated by the droppings or saliva of infected rodents. It’s a “stealth” virus starting with basic flu symptoms like fever and aches before quickly attacking the lungs and making it difficult to breathe.

While most strains are a “dead end,” the rare Andes strain can spread between people in very close contact. This unusual trait is what recently turned a cruise ship voyage into a high-stakes quarantine.

How to Stay Safe ? Prevention is all about “rodent-proofing” your life. To keep the virus away, seal up holes in your home to keep mice out and keep food in tightly closed containers. If you are cleaning a dusty shed or a cabin that has been closed up, never sweep. Sweeping kicks the virus into the air where you can breathe it in. Instead, soak the area with a bleach-and-water mixture first to “lock” the dust down, wear a mask, and let the room air out for 30 minutes before you start.