Prevention of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the United States centers on avoiding exposure to rodents and their urine, droppings, and nesting materials. CDC publishes plain-language prevention guidance online and a downloadable brochure for the public.
Seal, trap, and clean up
CDC groups practical steps under themes such as sealing gaps where rodents enter, trapping to reduce rodent populations where appropriate, and cleaning up rodent-contaminated areas using methods that do not stir dust into the air. CDC emphasizes avoiding vacuuming or sweeping dry rodent waste before wetting and disinfecting according to CDC cleanup instructions.
Consumer brochure (January 2025)
CDC hosts a PDF brochure titled “You Can Prevent Hantavirus” with a January 2025 revision date in the document path CDC uses on its site. The brochure is intended to reinforce the same prevention themes for people who live, work, or spend time in settings where wild rodents may be present.
Research note
This article reflects CDC’s prevention landing page and the brochure file linked below as retrieved on 7 May 2026.
