The Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius – site of an April outbreak of the Andes subtype of hantavirus, which infected 10 people and killed three – has returned to the port of Rotterdam for deep cleaning. Meanwhile, passengers have been evacuated, repatriated and, if exposed to the virus, quarantined, with 16 Americans being monitored at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s National Quarantine Unit in Omaha and two at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
The outbreak – along with a separate death in Colorado from local rodent exposure,confirmed May 16 – have reminded homeowners and building managers that diseases spread by rodents like hantavirus, though rare, remain a real health concern, especially where rodents can easily find food and shelter.
As president of JP McHale Pest Management LLC – and someone who’s spent my entire career preventing and managing pest infestations – I can say with confidence that there is no reason to panic. Most people will see a mouse at home or in their office at some point. Just stay alert and act quickly to prevent problems by identifying signs of rodent activity early, following safe cleanup practices and taking steps to keep rodents out before an isolated problem becomes an infestation.
What is hantavirus, and can I catch it?
Hantavirus is actually an entire genus of viruses (Orthohantavirus) with dozens of recognized species and subtypes. In the United States, some of these variants can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a rare but serious lung disease. Early symptoms like fever, fatigue and muscle aches can seem like the flu but may quickly lead to breathing problems or, in severe cases, lung failure. Most U.S. hantavirus cases are linked to direct contact with rodents’ urine, droppings or saliva, or inhaling dust containing these materials.
What are the signs of rodent activity?
Homeowners and property managers should watch for:
- Small, dark droppings that look like grains of rice, often along baseboards, in cabinets or behind appliances;
- Scratching, scurrying or squeaking in walls and ceilings;
- Gnaw marks on wood, wires, cardboard or food packaging;
- Nests that are made from shredded paper, fabric, insulation or vegetation.
Seeing droppings doesn’t mean you have hantavirus, but it does mean you should act quickly and carefully.
What is the best and safest way to clean up droppings?
Cleaning incorrectly can release harmful particles and increase your risk. To clean safely, follow these steps:
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings. Ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes first.
- Wearing a mask and gloves, spray droppings, urine and nests with disinfectant (one part bleach to nine parts water, or a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved cleaner, and leave the solution on for five minutes.
- Use paper towels to pick up waste, seal it in a plastic bag and dispose of it. Disinfect the area afterward.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and wash any potentially contaminated clothing separately.
When to call a professional
If the problem is small and contained, follow these safety steps. Call a licensed professional if you experience:
- Droppings in multiple rooms or levels of a property;
- Daytime sightings of mice or rats;
- Nests in insulation, attics or basements;
- Persistent scratching noises inside the walls;
- Strong or unusual odors.
Professionals have the right tools and training to clean, disinfect and solve the problem safely. In serious cases, they might need to remove and replace contaminated insulation.
Prevention is the best defense.
To reduce the risk of hantavirus, keep rodents out and remove sources of food, water and nesting materials. Steps include:
- Seal gaps and cracks around foundations, doors, windows and utility lines.
- Store food in a sealed, air-tight container.
- Don’t leave out garbage or leftover food.
- Keep kitchens, basements and storage areas clean and clutter-free.
- To prevent pest problems, clear outdoor debris, drain standing water and trim vegetation near buildings.
Advanced monitoring and prevention – such as regular inspections, sealing entry points and using digital pest detection – help spot rodents early and stop infestations. With SMART digital pest control, professionals often detect rodents before anyone notices signs.
Stay informed, not alarmed
While the recent news illustrates why it’s important to prevent rodent problems, there’s no need to panic. The risk for most people remains low. Watch for signs, clean up safely and call experts if needed. Acting early protects your home and community, so a practical response matters.
Jim McHale is a Cornell-trained entomologist as well as president of JP McHale Pest Management LLC, headquartered in Buchanan.
