Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases

May 19, 2026

Hantavirus

Hantaviruses are members of the Bunyaviridae family, commonly found in rodent populations such as rats and mice. People become infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, feces, saliva, or bedding. Bites or scratches from infected rodents can transmit the virus, though this is relatively uncommon. Hantavirus infections can cause severe illness and death, primarily through two distinct syndromes: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

Rodents pass hantaviruses within their own populations. Once infected, a rodent can shed the virus in its urine, saliva, and feces for a prolonged period — potentially for life. Infected rodents show no outward symptoms, making visual identification of infected animals impossible.

Current situation (Spring 2026): In late spring 2026, several travelers aboard an international cruise ship were confirmed to be infected with the Andes strain of hantavirus, generating increased requests for information and guidance. Per statements issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk to the general public remains extremely low.

Hantavirus Symptoms & Prevention

Hantavirus can be spread through contact with infected rodents or contaminated materials. Early symptoms may include fatigue, fever, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, abdominal pain, coughing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, the virus can progress to serious respiratory illness or kidney complications.

To help reduce exposure:

• Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings
• Seal openings where rodents may enter
• Keep areas clean and free of food debris
• Use protective gloves and disinfectants when cleaning contaminated areas
• Never sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, as this can spread particles into the air

Preventing rodent exposure is the best defense against hantavirus.

Emerging Pathogen Status: EPA List Q

In response to the 2026 cruise ship outbreak, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) activated its Emerging Viral Pathogen (EVP) guidance for hantavirus in May 2026. This activation is currently in effect through May 2028.

The EVP guidance is a voluntary, two-stage process that allows disinfectant manufacturers with pre-approved claims to make statements about their product's expected efficacy against an emerging virus — even when the pathogen is not listed directly on their product label. EPA maintains List Q, a searchable registry of disinfectants with EVP claims.

Hantavirus is classified as a Tier 1 (enveloped) virus — the easiest category to inactivate. Disinfectants that damage the lipid envelope of the virus render it non-infectious. Products with Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 EVP claims are all expected to be effective against hantavirus. Products should be checked for their specific dilution requirements and contact/wet times for enveloped viruses.

The following Buckeye products carry EPA-registered Emerging Viral Pathogen (EVP) claims and are expected to be effective against hantavirus based on their demonstrated efficacy against difficult-to-inactivate enveloped viruses. Products are on EPA List Q.

Environmental Cleaning & Disinfection

Hantaviruses are large, enveloped single-strand RNA viruses — classified as Tier 1 (enveloped) under the EPA EVP framework — and are among the easiest viral pathogens to inactivate on environmental surfaces. Standard cleaning and disinfection procedures are effective when an EPA-registered product with appropriate enveloped virus claims (e.g., influenza, Hepatitis B, HIV) is used.

Important: Always verify the required dilution and contact/wet time for enveloped viruses on your specific product label, as these may differ from the standard hard-surface disinfection instructions.

Cleaning Methods

• Use wet/damp cleaning methods (mopping, damp wiping) to reduce the likelihood of dispersing viral particles into the air.
• Avoid dry cleaning methods such as dry dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming when cleaning rodent droppings, dried urine, saliva, or nesting materials.
• Apply disinfectant and allow the full required contact/wet time before wiping.

Laundry & Textiles

Soiled laundry (bedding, towels, personal clothing) should be promptly contained in an appropriate laundry bag. Avoid shaking or agitating items in a way that could disperse infectious material. Standard healthcare laundering procedures are sufficient. Disposal of single-use linens may be considered as an added precaution, given the risks of downstream handling.

References

• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hantavirus. https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/about/index.html
• CDC. Clinical Overview: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hcp/clinical-overview/hps.html
• CDC. Clinical Overview: Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome. https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hcp/clinical-overview/hfrs.html
• World Health Organization. Hantavirus Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hantavirus. Created May 2026 | Reviewed/Revised May 2026 Page 4.
• Public Health Agency of Canada. Hantaviruses. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/hantaviruses.html
• US EPA. Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance and Status for Antimicrobial Pesticides (EVP activated for Hantavirus, May 2026). https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/emerging-viral-pathogen-guidance-and-status-antimicrobial-pesticides
• US EPA. Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens (EVPs): List Q. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/disinfectants-emerging-viral-pathogens-evps-list-q