How hantavirus spreads

WHO describes that human exposure usually occurs when a person disturbs rodent-contaminated environments — for example sweeping or vacuuming buildings with rodent infestations — releasing virus particles into the air. Other less common routes include direct contact through broken skin, eye or mouth contact with contaminated material, or rodent bites. Some hantavirus strains, particularly Andes virus, have been linked to rare person-to-person transmission in close, prolonged contact such as household or healthcare settings. Eating contaminated food is also possible but considered uncommon. Avoiding stirring up dust in rodent-infested areas, ventilating buildings before cleaning, and using wet cleaning methods substantially reduce risk.