How long can hantavirus survive in mouse droppings?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have recently discovered that we have a mouse infestation in our basement. While researching the problem, I have seen some conflicting information on the internet. I was wondering how long mouse droppings are infectious with hantavirus, especially if some of the droppings have been around for a few weeks.When the droppings dry out does the virus lose its ability to infect, or is there still a risk of transmission via dust that becomes airborne later?I would like to get a better idea about the real level of risk and would appreciate guidance on this.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I read your query and understand your concern.

Hantaviruses can remain infectious in rat urine, droppings and nesting materials for a few days to a week if conditions are right. Plants last longer in the cool, safe, humid, and less longer in the sunshine, heat, and dryness. But there is no way to give a single rule that tells everyone “two to three weeks”.The main worry is that aerosolised particles containing the virus can be inhaled when contaminated materials are disturbed.The cleanup recommendation is not to sweep or vacuum dry droppings. Instead, soak the area thoroughly with a disinfectant (e.g., a bleach solution prepared in accordance with public health guidance or another suitable disinfectant), allow adequate contact time, and then wipe up the material.Hantavirus infections are not common, but they can be very bad. The estimated mortality rate for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in North America is between one-third and two-fifths of all reported cases, but estimates vary by location and virus strain.Symptoms typically develop 1 to 8 weeks after exposure and often start with fever, fatigue and muscle aches, followed by cough and shortness of breath in more severe cases.Finding old mouse droppings doesn't necessarily mean there was a significant exposure, a key point. Risk is a function of:

Were there actually rodents carrying hantavirus?
What was the level of contaminated material?
Did the droppings get disturbed and aerosolised?
What geographic areas and local prevalence of the hantavirus in rodents?

If you have just cleaned or vacuumed an area with mouse droppings and are worried about exposure, it is okay to note the date and watch for symptoms over the next few weeks. People who may have been exposed should seek medical care immediately if they develop symptoms such as fever, severe muscle aches or respiratory symptoms and tell their healthcare provider about the rodent exposure.I am also available to help evaluate specific exposure scenarios, including how long the droppings were present, whether they were disturbed, if a mask was used, and where the exposure occurred.

I hope this addresses your concerns.

Please feel free to follow up if you need any additional clarification.

Thank you.