Advice from the Experts

Cleaning a Rodent-Infested Area that May Harbor the Hantavirus

What are the recommendations for lessening exposure when cleaning a rodent-infested area that may harbor the Hantavirus?

Use PPE (personal protective equipment)-respirator, gloves and goggles.
Gloves should be rubber, latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves.
Do not stir up dust by vacuuming, sweeping, or any other means.
Thoroughly wet contaminated areas with a bleach solution or household disinfectant.
Hypochlorite (bleach) solution: Mix 1 and ½ cups of household bleach in 1 gallon of water.
Once everything is wetted down, take up contaminated materials-you may want to use damp paper towels-and then mop or sponge the area with bleach solution or household disinfectant.
Spray dead rodents with disinfectant and then double-bag them along with all cleaning materials. Bury, burn, or throw out the rodents in an appropriate waste disposal system.
You may want to contact your local or state health department concerning other appropriate disposal methods.
Disinfect gloves with disinfectant or soap and water before taking them off.
After taking off the clean gloves, thoroughly wash hands with soap and water (or use a waterless alcohol-based hand rub when soap is not available).

Can I use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean up rodent-contaminated areas?

HEPA vacuums are not recommended since they blow air around and may create aerosolized particles that may be breathed in.

How do I clean papers, books, and delicate items?

Books, papers, and other items that cannot be cleaned with a liquid disinfectant or thrown away should be left outdoors in the sunlight for several hours or in an indoor area free of rodents for approximately one week before final cleaning. After that time, the virus should no longer be infectious. Wear rubber, latex, or vinyl gloves and wipe the items with a cloth moistened with disinfectant.

Alternatively, wash clothing or stuffed animals in the washing machine using hot water and regular detergent. Laundry detergent can break down the virus's lipid envelope, rendering it harmless. Machine dry laundry on a high setting or hang it to air-dry in the sun.

How do I clean rugs, carpets and upholstered furniture?

Disinfect carpets and upholstered furniture with a disinfectant or with a commercial-grade steam cleaner or shampoo.

What precautions should I take if I think I have been exposed to Hantavirus?

If you have been exposed to rodents or rodent infestations and have symptoms of fever, deep muscle aches, and severe shortness of breath, see your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor of possible rodent exposure so that he/she is alerted to the possibility of rodent-borne diseases, such as HPS.

Reference:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps/noframes/FAQ.htm
Article compliments of National Pest Management Association, of which we are a member.