The unexpected everyday places YOU could be exposed to hantavirus… after Midwesterner may have contracted killer bug while cleaning

Health officials have revealed the unexpected spots Americans could be exposed to hantavirus. 

Hantavirus is a rat-borne illness currently at the center of an outbreak stemming from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has caused 11 illnesses and three deaths. 

Eighteen American passengers the ship are now under medical monitoring in Omaha and Atlanta as health officials work to contain the rare outbreak.

Health officials emphasize that hantavirus remains a low risk to the general public. 

While experts are working to uncover the causes of the ship’s outbreak, an Illinois resident who was not on the ship is now feared to have caught hantavirus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). 

The agency said it is believed the man contracted the virus by coming into contact with rodent droppings.

Hantavirus is mainly spread through contract with infected rodents – particularly deer mice – and their urine, saliva or droppings, according to the CDC. 

Typically, people can become infected after breathing in contaminated particles that stir into the air after being disturbed, such as during sweeping.  

Health workers in protective gear evacuate patients from the MV Hondius cruise ship into an ambulance at a port in Tenerife, Spain

‘A common misconception is that risk comes from casual contact, when in reality it is often linked to specific activities,’ Dr Katherine O’Reilly, medical director at InternationalSOS in the UK, told the Daily Mail. 

‘People may unknowingly increase their exposure when cleaning enclosed or dusty spaces, particularly if rodent urine or feces is present. 

‘Actions such as sweeping or vacuuming dry debris can disturb contaminated particles and make them easier to inhale.’

Infections can occur after breathing in the particles or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Rodent bites can also spread hantavirus, but it’s less common. 

Health officials have warned that cleaning in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area where rodents may nest for weeks or months at a time is one of the most likely sources of exposure.

At-risk locations include garages, sheds, cabins, attics, barns and crawl spaces. Rodents may also hide in storage units, horse stables, kitchen cabinets and small spaces behind appliances.  

When rodents nest in unused cars, RVs, campers and boats, opening these areas can stir up contaminants. 

Sweeping areas with rodent droppings is one of the top causes of hantavirus exposure, experts have warned (stock image)

‘Although the current hantavirus situation is drawing attention, the overall risk to the public remains low. Infection is not typically spread through routine person-to-person contact but is most often linked to exposure to infected rodents or their droppings,’ O’Reilly said. 

‘This significantly limits the likelihood of widespread transmission.

‘However, it is not a zero risk. Individuals spending time in environments where rodent contamination may be present – such as enclosed, poorly ventilated or infrequently cleaned spaces – may face a higher level of exposure. 

‘This is particularly relevant in specific occupational or environmental settings, meaning risk is concentrated rather than generalized.’

According to the National Park Service, the majority of hantavirus cases occur in the spring when people enter buildings that have become heavily infested in rodents over the winter.  

A passenger of the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius is pictured while leaving by military bus after disembarking in the port of Granadilla de Abona on Tenerife on Monday

Oregon doctor Stephen Kornfeld, who took on the role of the cruise ship doctor after its initial doctor fell ill with hantavirus, revealed that he has also tested positive for the deadly rat-borne virus

O’Reilly emphasized that in areas with rodents, ‘it is important to avoid direct contact, ensure good hygiene and safe food storage, ventilate spaces before cleaning and use protective measures such as gloves and disinfectant rather than dry cleaning methods.

The CDC also advises against vacuuming or sweeping rodent urine, droppings or nesting materials to avoid the virus getting into the air. 

While hantavirus is rare, O’Reilly urges that it ‘is vital to be aware of symptoms.’

‘Early signs can resemble flu – fatigue, fever, headaches and muscle aches – but may progress to more serious respiratory symptoms,’ she added. 

‘Anyone who has had potential exposure and develops these symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, should seek urgent medical attention, as early supportive care can significantly improve outcomes.’