FAQs
Hantavirus Frequently Asked Questions
There is currently no evidence that Hantavirus can be passed from person to person. However, if both people were exposed to mouse feces (poop), urine, or saliva, then it's possible for both people to contract Hantavirus.
It's common for dogs and cats to hunt and occasionally catch mice. Though they cannot catch Hantavirus from mice, they may increase your risk of exposure by bringing their captured mouse home to you and exposing you to mouse feces, urine, and saliva, all of which can carry the virus. In short, Hantavirus (and mice) do not pose a threat to your pets, however deterring them from hunting mice can prevent your exposure.
Mice can be found in vehicles, homes, garages, sheds, and woodpiles. The most common signs of mice are "droppings" or poop, which appear as very small (approximately 1/8th of an inch) dark, rod-shaped particles. Occasionally "gnaw" marks can be seen as slight discoloration in wood. In areas where they can access food, it may show up as ripped/torn wrappers or food particles from otherwise sealed bags. If you observe any of these signs, begin cleaning protocol following the steps above or review here.
As a general rule, cold symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat are not common in early Hantavirus illness. If you have these symptoms, chances are its another virus such as flu or COVID. Exceptions may occur, so if you’re pretty sick and you’re uncertain, seek medical evaluation.
Also, with hantavirus there is usually not a cough on the first day. So, if there’s cough from the beginning, it is more likely flu, COVID or some other respiratory virus.
Regardless of cause, if symptoms are severe, you should seek medical care. Shortness of breath is always potentially serious and is always a good reason to get checked.
Remember that while tests for flu and COVID may be readily available, Hantavirus tests blood tests that have to be sent out, and results will take at least a couple of days. However, if your healthcare provider is considering hantavirus as a diagnosis, there may be other blood tests that can help decide if you are at risk (e.g. hantavirus 5 point screen).
