Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is an illness caused by hantavirus. Hantaviruses, found in rodents, can cause severe illness. There are multiple strains of hantavirus including Sin Nombre, Andes and Seoul. Seoul virus, found across the world, can also cause Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). Rodent control in and around the home remains the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus infection. Infection with hantavirus can progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which can be fatal. People become infected through contact with hantavirus-infected rodents or their urine and droppings. In rare cases, hantavirus infection have been acquired from people sick with infection with Andes virus, which is only found in South America.

OSHA does not currently have any specific regulations regarding hantavirus. For the latest information on hantavirus and the CDC’s recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and prevention, refer to the CDC’s hantavirus website (www.cdc.gov/hantavirus). This Technical Data Bulletin does not contain the CDC’s recommendations in their entirety, nor does it constitute an endorsement by PSD to use 3M respirators for this purpose. The impact and utility of these recommendations will be assessed as they are implemented and will be continually reviewed by the CDC and the involved state and local health agencies as additional data related to the disease is gathered. The reader is advised to be alert to supplements or modifications to these recommendations in the future. For further information on respirators, eye protection and disposable coveralls for use against hantavirus, contact 3M Technical Service at 1-800-243-4630 or visit our website at www.3M.com/PPESafety. For information on disinfectants visit: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/facility-management-us/solutions/commercial-cleaning/

Refer to 3M Technical Bulletin – Hantavirus Infection (PDF, 191.81 KB) for more information.