Dust entry

Hantavirus rodent-contaminated dust

Airborne dust contaminated by urine, droppings, or nesting materials from infected rodents.

Airborne form

dust

The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.

Health effects

hantavirus pulmonary syndromeserious respiratory illnesskidney disease concern

Evidence

CDC states that when infected-rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials are stirred up, hantavirus can enter the air and infect people who breathe the contaminated air; CDC identifies cleaning up after rodents as an exposure situation requiring special precautions.

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Exposure · 1

When fresh urine, droppings, or nesting materials of an infected rodent are stirred up, the virus can get into the air. You can become infected with the virus by breathing in the contaminated air. ... People should avoid contact with rodent urine, droppings, saliva, and nesting materials.

Controls

rodent exclusion and control
do not sweep or vacuum contaminated waste dry
wet disinfection
ventilation before cleanup
gloves and eye protection
appropriate respiratory protection for heavy infestations