Gloved hands clean an elevator interior with disinfectant.

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is urging people to take precautions to prevent hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal illness transmitted by infected deer mice. As spring arrives and outdoor spaces are being cleaned out after winter, the risk of exposure increases.

WDH infectious disease epidemiologist Courtney Tillman advises individuals cleaning warehouses, sheds, garages, and other basements or outbuildings to be aware of hantavirus risks and to follow safe rodent cleanup practices. The virus can be contracted through contact with the droppings, urine, or saliva of infected mice, with inhalation of airborne virus particles in dust being a primary concern during cleaning activities like sweeping and vacuuming. This is particularly vital for frontline workers that may be cleaning little-used facility spaces, dark corners or closets, and more.

Symptoms of hantavirus can include fatigue, fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, and coughing. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after potential exposure to rodents should promptly seek medical attention. While there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection, supportive care is provided to manage symptoms. The mortality rate for those developing respiratory complications is estimated to be around 38 percent.

To safely clean areas where rodents may have been present, the WDH recommends the following steps:

  • Ventilate: Open doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.
  • Avoid Dusting: Do not sweep or vacuum, as this can aerosolize virus particles.
  • Wear Protection: Use rubber or plastic gloves and, if available, a well-fitting N95 respirator.
  • Disinfect: Thoroughly spray droppings and contaminated areas with a bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) or a household disinfectant and allow it to soak for five minutes.
  • Careful Removal: Wipe up the disinfected droppings with paper towels and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag.
  • Second Disinfection: Clean and disinfect all surfaces in the area again after removing the rodent waste.
  • Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after completing the cleanup.

The WDH encourages residents to visit their website for more detailed information about hantavirus and prevention measures, particularly for those working in or servicing areas, facilities and buildings prone to rodent infestations.