And there is this :
people primarily get hantavirus through contact with infected rodents (such as mice and rats) or their urine, droppings, and saliva.
cdc.gov
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses carried by rodents worldwide. Different rodent species carry different strains, leading to two main types of illness in humans: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which affects the lungs (common in the Americas), and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which affects the kidneys (more common in Europe and Asia).
mayoclinic.org
Primary Ways of Transmission
• Inhaling aerosolized virus particles — This is by far the most common route. When rodent urine, droppings, or saliva dry out and are disturbed (e.g., by sweeping, vacuuming, cleaning sheds/garages, or disturbing nesting materials), tiny virus-containing droplets become airborne. Breathing them in infects people.
canada.ca
• Touching contaminated surfaces then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Eating or drinking contaminated food/water with rodent waste.
• Rodent bites or scratches (rare).
my.clevelandclinic.org
Rodents like deer mice (in North America), rice rats, cotton rats, and others are the main carriers. They don’t usually show symptoms but shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva.
kingcounty.gov
Risk increases in enclosed or infrequently used spaces (cabins, sheds, barns, woodpiles, or homes with rodent infestations), especially when cleaning or disturbing dust.
cdph.ca.gov
Person-to-Person Transmission
This is very rare and documented only with the Andes virus strain (found in South America). It typically requires close, prolonged contact with a sick person (e.g., direct physical contact, sharing utensils, handling contaminated bedding, or exposure to respiratory secretions). Most other hantaviruses do not spread between people.
cdc.gov
Recent news involves a cruise ship outbreak linked to the Andes virus, with some person-to-person spread noted in that context, but overall public risk remains low.
cdc.gov
Other Key Facts
• Hantavirus is not spread by insects, pets (unless wild rodents infect them), or casual contact.
• It cannot spread through water, air in general, or typical everyday interactions in most strains.
• Incubation period is usually 1–8 weeks after exposure.
cdc.gov
Prevention centers on avoiding rodents: Seal entry points in homes, store food securely, control infestations with traps (not poisons that might attract more rodents), and clean rodent areas carefully (wet-mop or use disinfectant sprays instead of dry sweeping/vacuuming without protection; wear gloves and masks).
cdc.gov
Hantavirus infections are rare but can be severe (with a notable fatality rate in HPS cases), so prompt medical care for flu-like symptoms after potential rodent exposure is important. For the latest details, check sources like the CDC.