Prevention:

There are no immunizations currently available against any of the Hantaviruses. In 2003, developments in genetic science were helping researchers work on a possible vaccination and therapy for several versions of hantavirus, including the Sin Nombre virus that causes HPS. With further work, a gene-based vaccine could become available in the future. However, the only known forms of hantavirus prevention involve rodent control within the community and within individual households. The following is a list of preventive measures:

• Avoiding areas known to be infested by rodents is essential.
• Keeping a clean home and keeping food in rodent-proof containers.
• Disposing of garbage and emptying pet food dishes at night.
• Setting rodent traps around baseboards and in tight places. Disposing of dead animals with gloves and disinfecting the area with bleach.
• Using rodenticide as necessary.
• Sealing any entry holes 0.25 inch wide or wider around foundations with screen, cement, or metal flashing.
• Clearing brush and junk from house foundations.
• Putting metal flashing around house foundations.
• Elevating hay, woodpiles, and refuse containers.
• Airing out all sealed outbuildings or cabins 30 minutes before cleaning for the season.
• When camping, avoiding sleeping on the bare ground. It is advised to sleep on a cot or in a tent with a floor.