Should You Be Concerned About Hantavirus? May 20, 2026 You may have recently seen news reports about hantavirus. While the illness can be serious, it’s important to know that the risk to most people – especially here in Oregon – remains low. “Hantavirus is something to be taken seriously, but for most people in Oregon it is not something to be alarmed about in daily life,” said Adam Brady, MD, of Samaritan Infectious Disease – Corvallis. What Is Hantavirus? Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by certain rodents, including deer mice. People can become infected when they come into contact with rodent urine, droppings or saliva, often when these materials are disturbed and become airborne. Hantavirus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially severe illness that affects the lungs. How Common Is It? Hantavirus infections are rare nationwide, with fewer than 1,000 cases reported in the United States since tracking began in 1993. In Oregon, cases are even less common – about 31 total cases have been reported over the same time period. “Those numbers are very low, especially over several decades,” Dr. Brady said. “It’s a rare disease, and most people will never encounter it.” How Does It Spread? Hantavirus is primarily spread through contact with infected rodents, not person to person. Potential exposure risks can include: Cleaning or enter enclosed spaces (like cabins, sheds or garages) where rodents have been present. Breathing in dust contaminated with rodent droppings or urine. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face. Person-to-person spread is extremely rare and has mainly been seen with a specific strain not found in the United States. Experts have speculated that the recent hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship was caused by passenger contact with the virus from the feces, urine or saliva of infected rats or mice. The Andes strain of the hantavirus, which has been confirmed in cases tied to the cruise ship, is the only one known to spread from human to human, but it is transmitted primarily through close personal contact. “While the cruise ship outbreak is concerning, Andes hantavirus is not a virus that appears to spread easily between people, and there is no indication this is the start of a pandemic,” said Dr. Brady. “The strain involved in the cruise ship outbreak hasn’t been found in the United States. The types we see here do not spread from person to person.” What Are the Symptoms? Symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure and often start like the flu. Early symptoms may include: Fever Fatigue Muscle aches Headache or chills Nausea or abdominal discomfort [cdc.gov] As the illness progresses, it can lead to coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid. “If someone has flu-like symptoms and a known exposure to rodents or rodent droppings, that’s when we want them to seek care,” Dr. Brady said. Who Is Most at Risk? Risk is highest for people who are in close contact with rodents or rodent-infested areas, including those who: Clean areas with rodent droppings. Work in agriculture, construction or pest control. Spend time in cabins or outbuildings that may have rodent activity. What Does This Mean for Our Community? For most people in the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Oregon Coast, the risk of hantavirus remains low. It does not spread easily like COVID‑19 or the flu, and cases tend to be isolated rather than widespread. “This isn’t a virus that moves quickly through communities,” Dr. Brady said. “It’s tied to specific environmental exposures, which means there are clear, practical ways to reduce your risk.” How Can You Protect Yourself? Even though the risk is low, simple precautions are recommended: Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings. Ventilate enclosed spaces (like sheds or cabins) before cleaning or entering enclosed spaces. Don’t sweep or vacuum droppings, which can stir particles into the air. Use gloves and disinfectant when cleaning rodent-affected areas. Wash your hands thoroughly after cleanup. To learn more about the hantavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
