Hantavirus prevention

Rodent-proof your home

Hantavirus prevention starts with keeping rodents out of living spaces. This is not about rural cabins — Seoul virus cases have been linked to pet rats in UK cities.

• Seal entry points: fill all gaps wider than 6mm in walls, foundations, pipe conduits, window frames and door frames. Steel wool, hardware cloth or expanding foam all work.
• Eliminate food sources: sealed containers for all food. Clean spills same-day. No pet food left out overnight. Garbage in sealed bins.
• Remove shelter: clear brush, woodpiles and clutter near buildings. Store boxes on shelves, not floors. Trim vegetation within 30cm of walls.
• Ventilate: good airflow in attics and basements. Dehumidify damp spaces.
• Trap: snap traps or electronic traps with peanut butter bait. Check daily. Gloves when handling. For large infestations, call a professional.

Safe cleanup of droppings

• Ventilate first: open all windows and doors. Wait 30 minutes before entering.
• Protect yourself: N95 respirator and nitrile gloves. Eye protection if available.
• Wet everything: spray droppings, urine stains and nesting material with household disinfectant or 1:9 bleach solution. Wait 5-10 minutes.
• Wipe and bag: paper towels only. Place all waste in a sealed double bag.
• Disinfect again: second spray after removing material.
• Wash: remove gloves inside-out. Wash hands and any exposed skin thoroughly.

For travellers to endemic areas

If visiting rural Argentina, Chile, southern Brazil or parts of Central America:

• Stay in clean, modern accommodation. Inspect rooms for droppings, gnawed materials, musty odour.
• Don't sleep in buildings that have been closed for a long time without airing them first.
• Don't touch wild rodents or their nests. Seal food during camping trips.
• If symptoms develop within 8 weeks of travel, seek medical care and mention your travel and possible rodent exposure.

For MV Hondius returnees and contacts

This applies to anyone who was on the ship, disembarked at any port, or shared a flight with a confirmed or suspected case:

• Self-monitor daily for 42 days (maximum Andes virus incubation window).
• Watch for: fever, deep muscle aches (thighs, hips, back), headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting.
• If anything develops: go to hospital immediately. Do not wait to see if it improves.
• Tell the clinician: "I was on the MV Hondius" or "I shared a flight with a hantavirus case."
• Avoid sharing utensils, towels or sleeping spaces until cleared.
• Your national health authority (CDC, UKHSA, PHAC, ECDC member state agencies) is running active follow-up. You may be contacted directly.

In healthcare settings

• Standard precautions for all patients: hand hygiene, gloves, eye protection if splash risk.
• For suspected/confirmed hantavirus: add contact precautions, N95 respirator, dedicated room.
• Healthcare-associated transmission is very rare (<1% of cases) with proper infection control.