With the recent news about hantavirus, many people are starting to worry about how dangerous it really is and whether it is something we should all be concerned about. While hantavirus is a serious disease, understanding how it spreads is important so we can focus on proper prevention instead of unnecessary panic.
Here are some important things you should know about hantavirus:
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Hantavirus is primarily carried by wild rodents, most notably the deer mouse found in North America, and not the sewer rats and house mice commonly found in households. These common household rodents are not the primary reservoirs of hantavirus strains that affect humans.
Hantavirus is very different from COVID-19. It does not easily spread from person to person. In fact, human-to-human transmission is considered extremely rare. At present, the only strain linked to possible person-to-person transmission is the Andes virus strain found in South America. This strain can cause severe hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory illness, and limited transmission has been documented mainly through close contact with infected bodily fluids such as respiratory secretions.
The virus is mainly associated with infected rodents and their secretions. People may become infected through exposure to contaminated urine, saliva, faeces, or nesting materials. Infection may also occur through rodent bites or scratches, or by ingesting contaminated food.
One of the biggest risks happens during cleaning. When dried rodent urine or droppings are disturbed by sweeping, brushing, or vacuuming, virus particles may become airborne and can be inhaled accidentally. This is why proper cleaning and disinfection procedures are essential when handling rodent-infested areas. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks (preferably N95), and protective clothing, is a must when dealing with suspected rodent-contaminated environments.
Good sanitation and hygiene still play a major role in prevention. Always wash your hands before eating, especially when travelling. Be cautious in areas with poor sanitation or visible signs of rodent activity. When travelling abroad, be extra cautious as we do not yet know which countries may have reported cases. Avoid staying in hotels with reviews or signs of rodent infestation. Wash your hands properly before eating, especially after visiting multiple locations. Avoid drinking tap or service water in restaurants and choose bottled water whenever possible. As much as possible, only dine in establishments with no signs of rodent activity.
Make sure your home is also properly protected. Although hantavirus is not carried by rodents commonly found in the Philippines, we do not yet know if it is possible in the future, so prevention is always better than cure. The best long-term protection is proper rodent prevention. Seal possible entry points, repair damaged areas where rodents may enter, and ensure garbage bins are properly covered. Although they are different species, rats are still known carriers of other diseases, including leptospirosis, so maintaining proper rodent control is essential at all times.
There is no need for panic, but there is always value in staying informed and taking proper preventive measures.
If you are experiencing rodent problems or would like to make sure your property is properly protected against rodent infestations, you may contact Triple A Pest Terminator for professional assistance. Our team provides thorough inspection, identification of rodent entry points, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)-based solutions designed not only to eliminate current infestations but also to prevent future recurrence. We focus on long-term protection through safe, strategic, and science-based pest control methods tailored to residential and commercial properties, ensuring that your environment is properly secured against rodent-related risks.
For more information about our services, you can reach us at 0917 517 8222 / 8986 3795 or email us at inquiry@tripleapestcontrol.com.ph
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