What Increases Your Risk

The risks of getting hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) are increased if you breathe in tiny airborne particles formed when rodents urinate or if you come into direct contact with infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. Bites from infected rodents also may increase your risk of developing HPS, although this is a rare method of infection.

People who live in or visit rural areas, especially in the western United States, have an increased risk of coming into contact with rodents infected with hantaviruses, because the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is common in these areas. Other areas of the U.S. also have rodents that may carry hantaviruses.

Hantavirus infection also may be more likely to occur if you:

• Live in a home, cabin, or other dwelling where rodents have nested or are nesting.
• Clean barns and other outbuildings where rodents have nested.
• Disturb rodent burrows while hiking or camping.
• Plant or harvest field crops.
• Live in or visit an area that has a large rodent population.