Main transmission routes from rodents
The most dangerous and common route. The virus is present in rodent urine, feces, and saliva. When secretions dry, infected particles become airborne and are inhaled by humans. This happens during cleaning of abandoned buildings, sheds, basements, or when working with hay or grain. Just a few minutes inside a closed contaminated space without a mask can lead to infection.
Direct contact with infected rodent secretions through broken skin (wounds, scratches) or mucous membranes. Risk arises when handling trapped rodents, cleaning without gloves in rodent‑infested areas, or accidentally touching eyes or nose after contact with contaminated material.
Direct bite from an infected mouse or rat. Less common than the aerosol route but well documented. At risk are laboratory workers, zoologists, farmers, and people who catch rodents with bare hands.
Consumption of food or water contaminated with infected rodent secretions. This is the least documented route — the virus is partially inactivated by stomach acid. Still, risk exists when food is stored in rodent habitats.
Andes virus: person‑to‑person transmission
The one and only exception among hantaviruses. All other hantaviruses (Sin Nombre, Puumala, Hantaan, etc.) do not spread from person to person. Andes virus is a unique strain with different epidemiological behavior.
Transmission has been documented during care of severely ill patients (airborne and contact routes), through sexual contact, and through shared living spaces. The virus has been found in saliva and respiratory secretions. This is how cluster outbreaks with chains of transmission occur.
Where Andes virus circulates: Argentina (Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut provinces) and Chile (Araucanía, Los Lagos, Los Ríos regions). When visiting these regions — increased vigilance is needed. Incubation period after human‑to‑human transmission: 14–33 days.
Risk groups and infection scenarios
| Situation or profession | Risk level | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning an abandoned house, country home, shed | High | Aerosol from dried excreta |
| Field work, haymaking, harvesting | High | Aerosol, contact with burrows |
| Overnight stays in forest, hunting, fishing | High | Aerosol inside tents, shelters |
| Caring for an Andes virus patient | High | Direct person‑to‑person transmission |
| Forestry workers, rangers, zoologists | High | Regular contact with rodents |
| Military exercises in nature | Moderate | Aerosol, contact with rodents |
| Gardening or dacha without rodents | Low | Accidental contact |
| City apartment | Very low | Minimal |
Important: what does NOT happen
Common misconceptions about hantavirus transmission. Here is what you should NOT fear:
- Mosquito, tick, or flea bites — hantavirus is not transmitted by blood‑sucking insects
- Pets — cats and dogs are not reservoirs and do not transmit the virus to humans
- A person with HFRS or HPS (except Andes virus) — infection from a sick person is impossible
- Eating heat‑treated food — the virus is inactivated by heating
- Touching objects — the virus is unstable in the environment, surviving on surfaces only a few hours
Assess your risk in 3 minutes
Have you been in any of the scenarios above? Our test analyzes risk factors and symptoms and tells you whether you should see a doctor.