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Hantavirus Fact Sheet

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๐Ÿ“‹ Overview
According to Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC.
Who has provided Hantavirus Fact Sheet in Mnmnmnwhat Safety Protocols Are In Place For Handling Sharp Objectsaftermath Cleanup Supportmn, MN, for more than 30 years.

Hantavirus is a potentially life-threatening viral disease transmitted to humans by rodents through their urine, droppings, and saliva.

 

Call Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC, today at 888-246-9111 for sameday estimate/services.

 

Symptoms typically appear 1 to 8 weeks after exposure and vary depending on the strain of hantavirus.  Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
Caused by "New World" hantaviruses found in the Americas (e.g., Sin Nombre virus). 
  • Early symptoms (1–8 weeks after exposure): Flu-like symptoms including fever, fatigue, and severe muscle aches in the large muscle groups like the hips, back, and thighs. About half of patients may also experience headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
  • Late symptoms (4–10 days after early symptoms): A cough and shortness of breath develop as the lungs fill with fluid, leading to severe respiratory distress. 
Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)
Caused by "Old World" hantaviruses found mainly in Europe and Asia, though one strain (Seoul virus) is found worldwide. 
  • Early symptoms (1–2 weeks after exposure): Fever, headache, back pain, abdominal pain, chills, nausea, and blurred vision. Some may experience a flushed face or a rash.
  • Later symptoms: Low blood pressure, acute kidney failure, and internal bleeding. 
Transmission Infected rodents shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva. Humans are typically exposed by inhaling tiny airborne particles contaminated with the virus.  Transmission can also occur in other, less common ways: 
  • Touching something contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, and then touching your nose or mouth.
  • Being bitten or scratched by an infected rodent.
  • Eating food contaminated by infected rodents. 
Prevention The best way to prevent hantavirus is to minimize contact with rodents.
  • Seal up: Close holes and gaps in your home or garage to prevent rodents from entering.
  • Trap rodents: Set snap traps to catch any mice or rats that have entered your home.
  • Keep food stored: Store all food in rodent-proof containers with tight-fitting lids.
  • Clean correctly: When cleaning up rodent waste, do not sweep or vacuum, as this can stir up viral particles into the air. Instead, use protective gear and follow these steps:Ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes.
  • Wear rubber or plastic gloves. An N95 respirator is also recommended for heavy infestations.
  • Thoroughly wet the contaminated area with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or a commercial disinfectant, and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
  • Use paper towels or a mop to wipe up the materials, then seal and dispose of them in the garbage.
  • Wash gloved hands with soap and water before removing gloves, and then wash your bare hands thoroughly afterward. 
Treatment There is no specific cure or vaccine for hantavirus. However, early diagnosis and supportive medical care can improve the chance of survival. 
  • HPS treatment: Patients with HPS are often treated in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with supportive care, including oxygen therapy and ventilation. In severe cases, a life-support machine called ECMO may be used to oxygenate the blood.
  • HFRS treatment: Supportive care for HFRS patients focuses on managing fluids and blood pressure, and in severe cases, may include dialysis for kidney failure. An antiviral drug, ribavirin, has been used for HFRS in some cases but is not proven effective for HPS. 

Hantavirus Fact Sheet

๐Ÿ“‹ Table of Contents

Introduction

Hantavirus is a serious, life-threatening virus primarily spread through contact with Rodent urine, droppings, and saliva. Early prevention and safe cleanup practices are **essential to protect yourself and your family**. Our professional cleanup services ensure proper disinfection, eliminating contamination risks.

What is Hantavirus?

Overview

Hantavirus is a viral infection caused by contact with Rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. It can lead to **Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)**, a severe respiratory illness with **high fatality rates**.

Types of Hantavirus

  • **Sin Nombre Virus** โ€“ Found in North America, responsible for most HPS cases.
  • **Andes Virus** โ€“ Found in South America, can spread **person-to-person**.

How Hantavirus is Transmitted

Common Transmission Methods

  • Inhalation of **contaminated dust particles** from Rodent nests.
  • Direct **contact with infected droppings, urine, or nesting materials**.
  • Rodent **bites, though rare**.

Environmental Risk Areas

  • Cabins, barns, and **vacant buildings** with Rodent activity.
  • Homes with **untreated infestations**.
  • Storage units or garages with **hidden Rodent nests**.

Recognizing Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection

Early Symptoms (1-2 Weeks After Exposure)

  • Fever, chills, and body aches.
  • Extreme fatigue and dizziness.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Severe Symptoms (Progression to HPS)

  • Severe difficulty breathing.
  • Fluid accumulation in lungs.
  • Drop in blood pressure leading to shock.

Preventing Hantavirus Exposure

Key Prevention Steps

  1. Seal all **gaps and cracks** to prevent Rodent entry.
  2. Store food in **airtight containers** to eliminate Rodent attraction.
  3. Regularly **clean and disinfect** potential Rodent nesting areas.
  4. Use **professional cleanup services** to safely remove contaminated materials.

Who is at Risk?

High-Risk Groups

  • People living or working in **Rodent-infested areas**.
  • Campers, hikers, and individuals in **outdoor environments**.
  • Construction workers exposed to **disturbed Rodent habitats**.

Why Professional Cleanup is Essential

Advantages of Professional Services

  • **Proper disinfecting techniques** eliminate contamination risks.
  • Trained specialists handle cleanup with **biohazard safety protocols**.
  • Advanced equipment prevents **airborne dust exposure**.

Steps for Safe Rodent Cleanup

Professional Cleanup Process

  1. Assessment of contaminated areas.
  2. Application of **EPA-approved disinfectants**.
  3. Removal of contaminated materials with protective gear.
  4. Advanced **odor removal** and sanitation.

Selecting the Right Cleanup Service

What to Look for in a Cleanup Provider

  • Certified **biohazard and virus cleanup specialists**.
  • Use of **HEPA filtration systems** for air purification.
  • Comprehensive **decontamination guarantees**.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question Answer
Can hantavirus spread from person to person? No, except for the Andes virus strain found in South America.
How long does hantavirus survive outside the body? It can persist in dry conditions for **several days**.

Final Thoughts

Hantavirus is a **life-threatening disease**, and proper cleanup is vital to **eliminating exposure risks**. Our **professional services ensure complete safety**, using advanced sanitation techniques to **protect your home, health, and environment**.