What exposure pathway is highlighted as a common route for hantavirus exposure from rodents?

What exposure pathway is highlighted as a common route for hantavirus exposure from rodents?

• A. Aerosolized urine and droppings
• B. Ingestion of contaminated water
• C. Direct bites from a rodent
• D. Contact with fur

Answer: (A)

Hantavirus is most commonly transmitted to people through inhalation of dust that contains viral particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. When rodent-infested areas are disturbed—such as sweeping or cleaning—this material can become aerosolized and inhaled, making aerosolized urine and droppings the primary exposure pathway. Other potential routes like ingesting contaminated water, direct rodent bites, or contact with fur are not the typical means of transmission for most hantavirus infections.

Hantavirus is most commonly transmitted to people through inhalation of dust that contains viral particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. When rodent-infested areas are disturbed—such as sweeping or cleaning—this material can become aerosolized and inhaled, making aerosolized urine and droppings the primary exposure pathway. Other potential routes like ingesting contaminated water, direct rodent bites, or contact with fur are not the typical means of transmission for most hantavirus infections.