Reducing the risk of hantavirus

Overview

Every year, many Albertans clean out grain bins, barns, cabins and other outdoor structures where mice and mice droppings might be present. 

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is spread when people inhale virus particles from the urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents, usually deer mice. These particles can become airborne when contaminated areas are disturbed.

The risk to the public remains low and it is not easily transmitted from person to person. Since reporting began in 1989, there have been 81 cases and 15 deaths from hantavirus confirmed in Alberta. This includes one confirmed death in 2026 linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

How to reduce your risk

There are precautions you can take before you start cleaning or working in an area that may be contaminated, and not after.

• Open doors and windows for ventilation and keep out of the area for at least 30 minutes prior to commencing clean up.
• Wear rubber gloves, and thoroughly soak droppings, nests and dead mice with a bleach/water solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) or a household disinfectant.
• Let the bleach water solution sit for five minutes.
• Never disturb any droppings, nests or dead mice prior to soaking with bleach solution.
• Mop up bleach-soaked droppings, nest and/or dead mice, or pick up with paper towels, and place them in a plastic bag.
• Seal the bag and put in a garbage container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Wash your gloves before removing and then wash your hands.
• Never vacuum or sweep droppings, nests or dead mice. This can create dust that can be inhaled. The dust might contain hantavirus.
• If dealing with significant mouse infestations or with mouse infestations in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, contact Health Link 811 to discuss necessary precautions.

Symptoms and when to seek care

Symptoms typically appear one to 2 weeks after exposure but can take up to 5 weeks. Early symptoms can resemble the flu and may include fever, chills, muscle aches and stomach problems. In some cases, severe breathing difficulties can develop. Although rare, hantavirus can be fatal.

Anyone who has been in an area with rodent contamination and develops flu-like symptoms or difficulty breathing should seek medical care promptly.