Health officials are urging residents to take precautions against Hantavirus, a rodent-borne virus that can lead to severe and potentially fatal illness in humans.

The virus, carried primarily by wild rodents, causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in the Americas and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in Europe and Asia. While rare, infections carry mortality rates between 1% and 50% depending on the strain, and no vaccine or specific treatment currently exists.

According to public health guidance, people are most commonly infected by inhaling aerosolized particles from dried rodent urine, feces, or nesting materials. This often occurs when dust is disturbed during cleaning or construction. The virus can also spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or, rarely, through rodent bites. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare and has only been documented in limited cases involving the Andes virus in South America.

Symptoms typically appear 1 to 8 weeks after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and fatigue, which can quickly progress to severe coughing and shortness of breath. In cases of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, patients may develop acute kidney injury and internal bleeding.

“Early hospitalization and intensive care are critical for improving outcomes,” health authorities stated. They emphasize that prevention is the most effective measure at this time.

Residents are advised to control rodent populations around homes, seal food sources, and avoid disturbing areas with visible rodent droppings or nests. If cleanup is necessary, experts recommend wetting contaminated areas with disinfectant before wiping to prevent particles from becoming airborne, and using gloves and a mask.

Medical professionals are urging anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after possible rodent exposure to seek medical attention immediately.

The alert comes as warmer months increase rodent activity in both rural and peri-urban areas, raising the risk of exposure.