Hantavirus: Advice for Hikers and Campers
If you are hiking or camping, especially in areas where
hantavirus has been reported, the following
recommendations may help you avoid contact with infected rodents:
- Avoid disturbing rodent burrows or rodent
- Do not handle or pet any rodents that you see, even if they
- Do not use cabins or other enclosed shelters that are
rodent-infested until they have been aired out, cleaned, and
- Do not pitch tents or place sleeping bags in areas
near rodent droppings, rodent burrows, or possible rodent shelters, such as
- If possible, do not sleep on the bare ground. Use a cot
with the sleeping surface at least
12 in. (30.5 cm) above the
ground or use tents with floors.
- Keep food in rodent-proof
- Promptly throw away all garbage and trash in covered trash cans. If trash cans are not available, store garbage in a rodent-proof container until you get to a place where you can throw it away safely.
- Use only bottled water or water that has
been disinfected by filtering, boiling, chlorination, or iodination for
drinking, cooking, washing dishes, and brushing your teeth.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
February 22, 2012
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
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