Quick answer
In the US, hantavirus prevention focuses on reducing contact with wild rodents — especially the deer mouse in the West. Seal entry points, store food and trash sealed, ventilate long-closed buildings before entry and use damp cleaning with disinfectant. There is no licensed vaccine in the country.
Historically higher-attention regions
| Region | Main virus | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Western US (NM, AZ, CO, UT, CA, NV, OR, WA) | Sin Nombre virus | Most US HPS cases historically reported here. Deer mouse range is broad. |
| Four Corners region | Sin Nombre virus | Historically high-attention region where HPS was first characterised in 1993. |
| South / Southeast (FL, GA, TX coastal) | Other New World hantaviruses (e.g. Black Creek Canal) | Cotton rat and rice rat reservoirs. HPS cases reported but less frequent. |
| Northeast and Midwest | New York virus and others | Lower case counts; white-footed mouse range overlaps populated areas. |
| Alaska and rural Pacific NW | Sin Nombre and related | Outdoor and occupational exposures relevant; case reporting variable. |
Geographic details are based on public CDC surveillance. For current data, see the CDC surveillance page directly.
CDC recommendations
- Seal openings larger than ~6 mm in walls, foundations and around pipes.
- Store food and pet feed in airtight containers.
- Reduce clutter where rodents could nest.
- Before entering a long-closed building, ventilate it for at least 30 minutes.
- To clean areas with droppings, follow CDC's damp method with gloves and disinfectant.
- For symptoms after exposure, seek medical care and mention rodent contact.
Work, leisure and rural settings
Long-term occupational exposures (fieldwork, pest control, wildlife biology) and visits to long-closed cabins concentrate risk in the US. For more details see our outdoor risk or the dedicated guide on deer mouse and hantavirus.
Frequently asked questions
Is hantavirus common in the United States?
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is rare in the United States. CDC tracks confirmed cases on an ongoing basis, with most exposures occurring in rural or peri-domestic settings. Most Americans will not encounter a clinically relevant exposure in everyday life.
Which states have the highest hantavirus risk?
Historically, the Western United States — especially the Four Corners region (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah), California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington — has reported the largest share of HPS cases. Cases have also been reported in many other states; the deer mouse range is broad (CDC surveillance).
How can people in the US reduce hantavirus risk?
Seal entry points in the home, store food and trash in sealed containers, keep storage areas tidy and ventilate long-closed buildings before cleaning. Use damp methods to clean rodent droppings, never dry sweeping or vacuuming. Follow CDC guidance for activities like camping, cabin use and outdoor work.
What is the CDC's recommendation if I find rodent droppings at home?
CDC recommends ventilating the area for at least 30 minutes, putting on gloves, soaking the droppings with disinfectant, wiping them up with paper towels, double-bagging the waste and washing hands thoroughly. See our dedicated cleaning guide for the full steps.
Is there a hantavirus vaccine in the US?
No, there is no licensed hantavirus vaccine in the United States. Prevention focuses on reducing exposure. Early supportive care for symptoms is the main lever for improving outcomes if infection occurs.
Should I worry about hantavirus from a single mouse in my house?
A single mouse sighting does not automatically mean significant hantavirus risk. Most Americans will not develop HPS even after rodent encounters. Still, it is sensible to follow CDC cleaning steps for any droppings and to seal entry points to prevent further infestation.
Medical disclaimer: This page is informational and based on public CDC documents. It does not replace professional medical advice. For clinical or public health decisions, always consult official health authorities.