Short Wave Hantavirus: the risks, the science and what you need to know
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May 8, 2026 
Emily Abdoler, an infectious disease physician at the University of Michigan, explains how hantavirus spreads from rodents and what makes certain strains more dangerous. She discusses cleaning precautions, the potential for person-to-person transmission with the Andes strain, and how investigations and contact tracing proceed. Short, urgent science about risk and response.
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Hantavirus Is Rare But Highly Deadly
- Hantavirus infections are rare in humans but can be severe, with about 900 confirmed US cases from 1993–2023 and ~35% mortality.
- Most US cases occur in the western states and are linked to rural rodent exposure like closed cabins.
Wet And Mask Before Cleaning Rodent Droppings
- Protect yourself when cleaning rodent droppings by wearing a mask and wetting areas before sweeping to prevent aerosolization.
- Hantavirus particles in urine and droppings can dry, aerosolize, and be inhaled, so moistening reduces risk.
Andes Strain Enables Human Transmission
- The Andes strain can transmit person-to-person, unlike most hantaviruses, which mainly spread from rodent excreta.
- WHO confirmed the cruise outbreak involved the Andes strain, raising concerns about onboard transmission and contact tracing.