Hantavirus prevention: Doctor explains why gloves and masks are important when cleaning up rodent-infested areas

Pulmonologists are warning that a broom, a vacuum cleaner or even a deep breath inside a dusty storeroom can expose the lungs to deadly airborne viruses.


Most people believe that the greatest risk from rats and mice is food contamination. But doctors say the real danger may be floating invisibly in the air.


“Unprotected cleaning of spaces infested with rodents can lead to serious lung infections, including hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly viral disease that affects the respiratory system,” said Dr. Arjun Khanna, Head of Pulmonary Medicine at Amrita Hospital.


People who sweep or vacuum dry rodent droppings, urine, or nesting material can stir up microscopic particles of contamination into the air. “These particles can then be directly inhaled into the lungs while you are breathing,” says Dr. Khanna.


The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically warns against dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent waste as this can aerosolise virus-containing particles.


This is exactly why gloves and masks are not optional during clean-up, doctors say.

"Gloves are a barrier between the contaminated material and the skin, whereas masks minimize the risk of inhaling infected particles," says Dr Khanna. “The lungs are very sensitive to airborne viral exposure.


Pulmonologists say the symptoms of hantavirus can start out resembling a mild flu infection with fever, body pain, fatigue and headache. But in severe cases, patients can quickly become breathless as fluid begins to collect inside the lungs. Research shows Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) has a fatality rate of almost 38%.


The CDC suggests opening closed spaces for at least 30 minutes prior to cleaning. Experts also recommend spraying the droppings thoroughly with disinfectant or bleach solution and letting it soak before you wipe the area.
The biggest risk areas are older storerooms, basements, garages, barns and unused spaces in kitchens, says Dr. Khanna, and rodent waste can go unnoticed for weeks.


People tend to underestimate the exposure in the home, he says. “Sometimes a simple activity like cleaning done without care can turn into a serious respiratory emergency.