Hantavirus: Are you at risk?
- July 8, 2026
Understanding the rodent connection, the symptoms and how to stay safe
News of hantavirus on a cruise ship may sound exotic, but forms of the virus are found in various regions of the United States. The disease is uncommon but can be serious, making it important to understand the risks, especially if you live in rural or wooded areas of Arkansas.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is actually a group of viruses spread primarily through contact with infected rodents, particularly mice. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common illness caused by these viruses in the United States is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
People can become infected by:
- Breathing air contaminated with rodent urine, droppings or saliva
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face
- Rodent bites or scratches
What are the symptoms?
Hantavirus symptoms often begin like the flu and can develop one to eight weeks after exposure, making early recognition difficult.
Early symptoms include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Muscle aches (especially large muscle groups)
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Later symptoms can become severe and include:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness, as the lungs fill with fluid
At this stage, the illness becomes a medical emergency. There is no specific cure or antiviral treatment for hantavirus. However, early medical care can significantly improve outcomes.
What is the risk in Arkansas?
The risk of catching hantavirus in Arkansas is low, but it is possible.
- The virus is carried by rodents such as deer mice, cotton rats and rice rats, which are found in the state.
- Research has identified hantavirus strains in rodents in Arkansas, confirming the virus exists in the natural environment.
Risk depends on exposure
Certain activities can increase your exposure to the virus. Your risk increases if you:
- Clean enclosed spaces (cabins, barns, sheds) where rodents have been active
- Disturb dust containing droppings or nesting materials
- Spend extended time in in areas where rodents are active
Reduce your risk
Your best protection is to prevent contact with rodents and their droppings.
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings (this can spread particles into the air)
- Ventilate enclosed spaces before cleaning
- Use disinfectant and gloves when cleaning areas where rodents have been active
- Seal entry points in homes, garages and sheds
- Store food securely to avoid attracting rodents