Recent travel-related hantavirus cases have drawn attention and renewed focus on rodent prevention in homes and public spaces. The Department of Health of Taipei City Government reminded the public that hantavirus is mainly spread by rodents. Contact with contaminated rodent droppings or urine, or inhaling virus-carrying particles, may increase infection risk.

Transmission routes include inhaling droplets from infected rodent droppings or urine, touching contaminated objects, and being bitten by infected rodents. Because the virus may attach to dust or corners, sweeping or vacuuming directly may spread it into the air, making cleaning methods an important prevention point.

Medical information shows early hantavirus symptoms can resemble a cold, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, blurred vision, red eyes and gastrointestinal discomfort. People who have recently seen rodent activity at home or work should tell doctors about possible exposure if symptoms appear.

To reduce infection risk, health authorities urge the public to follow the "3 no's": do not let rodents enter by sealing holes and fixing doors and windows; do not let rodents eat by sealing food and covering garbage; and do not let rodents live by clearing clutter and keeping spaces clean.

If rodent droppings or urine are found, do not sweep them directly. Wear a mask, gloves and shoe covers first, spray 1:9 diluted bleach, wait 5 minutes, then remove the waste with paper towels and seal it before disposal to prevent virus spread through dust.

Experts said current hantavirus prevention focuses on rodent control and environmental management. Keeping spaces clean and ventilated, and regularly organizing basements, warehouses and storage areas, are important ways to lower infection risk.