Hantavirus Prevention
Last updated: May 9, 2026 · Sources: WHO, CDC, ECDC, MINSAL Chile
Key principle: There is no vaccine against hantavirus. Prevention focuses entirely on avoiding contact with rodents and their excreta, especially in enclosed spaces.
🏕Before entering enclosed spaces (cabins, refuges, outbuildings)
- →Ventilate the space for at least 30 minutes before entering — open windows and doors, do not enter immediately
- →Look for signs of rodent presence: droppings, gnaw marks, nesting material
- →If signs of rodents are present, wear an N95/FFP2 respirator before entering and cleaning
- →Do not sweep or vacuum dry rodent droppings — this aerosolizes the virus. Use a damp mop or spray with disinfectant first
- →Disinfect surfaces with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or commercial disinfectant
🌿Outdoor activities in endemic areas (Patagonia, western US, etc.)
- →Do not touch or approach wild rodents, their droppings, burrows, or nesting material
- →Avoid camping directly on the ground without protection in areas with visible rodent activity
- →Keep food in sealed containers — do not leave food scraps that attract rodents
- →Pitch tents on elevated, cleared ground away from bushes or woodpiles where rodents nest
- →Shake out clothing and shoes before wearing if they have been stored in potentially contaminated areas
🧤Personal protective equipment (PPE) for high-risk activities
- →N95 or FFP2 respirator (surgical masks do NOT protect adequately)
- →Rubber or latex gloves when handling potentially contaminated materials
- →Protective goggles if there is a risk of aerosol generation
- →Disposable overalls or work clothes that can be washed at high temperature (60°C / 140°F)
- →After removing PPE: wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
✈️Travel advice — Patagonia and Andean regions
- →Check the current epidemiological situation before traveling (MINSAL Chile, Ministerio de Salud Argentina)
- →Inform your travel medicine doctor about your planned activities (hiking, camping, rural stays)
- →If you develop fever, myalgia, or respiratory symptoms within 8 weeks of returning: seek medical care and report your travel history
- →Avoid staying overnight in cabins or refuges that show signs of rodent infestation without proper cleaning first
🚢Specifically: if you were aboard the MV Hondius (April–May 2026)
- →Monitor your temperature and symptoms for 8 weeks from your last day on board
- →If you develop fever, severe muscle aches, or difficulty breathing: seek emergency care and report your time aboard the Hondius
- →Follow any quarantine or monitoring instructions received from national health authorities
- →US passengers: contact the CDC (1-800-CDC-INFO) or your state health department
- →Spanish passengers: contact CCAES (900 354 455) or your regional health service