PREVENTION HUB
Protect Yourself
Evidence-based prevention guidance from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and peer-reviewed public health research. Hantavirus is preventable with proper precautions.
HOME SAFETY
- ▸Seal gaps >0.6cm in foundations and walls
- ▸Store food in airtight metal or glass containers
- ▸Remove clutter that provides rodent nesting sites
- ▸Set snap traps in high-risk interior areas
- ▸Inspect monthly for signs of rodent activity
SAFE CLEANUP PROTOCOL
- ▸Ventilate area 30+ minutes before entry
- ▸Wear N95+ respirator and latex gloves
- ▸Spray 10% bleach solution — soak 5 minutes
- ▸Use damp paper towels — never dry sweep
- ▸Double-bag waste in sealed plastic bags
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
- ▸N95 or P100 respirator for fine particles
- ▸Nitrile or latex gloves (double-glove recommended)
- ▸Tyvek coveralls for heavy contamination work
- ▸Safety goggles for aerosol-generating tasks
- ▸Disposable shoe covers in contaminated areas
TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS
- ▸Research rodent prevalence at destination
- ▸Choose accommodations with intact structures
- ▸Avoid sleeping on ground in endemic regions
- ▸Do not handle wild rodents or nesting material
- ▸Seek medical attention for fever post-travel
RODENT MANAGEMENT
- ▸Work with licensed pest control professionals
- ▸Use multi-catch traps for population monitoring
- ▸Dispose of dead rodents with gloves and sealed bags
- ▸Remove outdoor food sources (birdseed, compost)
- ▸Maintain 18-inch vegetation clearance from structures
MEDICAL RESPONSE
- ▸Seek emergency care at first respiratory symptoms
- ▸Inform physicians of potential rodent exposure
- ▸No proven antiviral — early supportive care is critical
- ▸ICU care available for severe HPS presentation
- ▸Report suspected cases to public health authorities
STEP-BY-STEP CLEANUP PROTOCOL
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01
VENTILATE
Open windows. Leave area for 30+ minutes before re-entering.
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02
GEAR UP
N95 respirator, nitrile gloves, goggles, coveralls.
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03
SPRAY
Apply 10% bleach solution to all affected surfaces.
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04
WAIT 5 MIN
Allow bleach contact time before any cleaning.
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05
DAMP WIPE
Use wet paper towels — never dry broom or vacuum.
06
DISPOSE
Double-bag all waste. Seal tightly. Dispose immediately.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:
This platform does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information is for educational awareness purposes only. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns. Sources: WHO, CDC, PAHO.