How does hantavirus spread?

Hantavirus spreads primarily from rodents to humans through four main routes: (1) Inhalation of aerosolized urine, droppings, or saliva from infected rodents — the most common route, especially in poorly ventilated enclosed spaces like cabins, garages, sheds, and barns. (2) Direct contact with rodents, their excreta, or contaminated surfaces, especially with broken skin or mucous membranes. (3) Bite from an infected rodent (rare). (4) Eating food contaminated with rodent excreta. Andes virus also has rare documented person-to-person transmission, requiring close prolonged contact (e.g., household members, healthcare workers without PPE). Hantavirus is not transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, or other arthropods.