Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare but serious lung disease spread by deer, mice and other wild rodents. Hantavirus is found in the saliva, urine and droppings of infected rodents.
What causes Hantavirus?
People can get Hantavirus when they breathe in tiny particles of fresh saliva, urine, droppings or nesting materials that are infected with the virus. For example, you could get Hantavirus if you sweep out a garage that has infected mice nesting in it. Sweeping stirs up tiny particles of the infected droppings, urine or saliva, and makes them float in the air. When you breathe in these tiny infected particles, the virus enters your lungs and you can get sick.
Can you catch Hantavirus from another person?
No. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is not spread from person to person. You can't catch it by touching or being around someone who has it.