Solutions to Protect Against Hantavirus

CONTAMINANT: HANTAVIRUS
ORGIN: Moldex Technical Services Department
DATE: April 30, 2001
REVIEWED: July 2015

Overview

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommendations to protect against Hantavirus.
Hantavirus is a virus carried by rodents and other small animals, primarily the deer mouse and cotton rat. It can be transmitted to humans through aerosolization of animal saliva or excreta through broken skin, introduction through the mucous membranes of the eye, or possibly through ingestion of infected food and water. People who become infected can become seriously sick very quickly. It causes rapid respiratory failure and death in approximately 50% of those infected. Other symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, and malaise. The incubation period is approximately two weeks and the onset of symptoms from that point is extremely rapid.

The CDC recommends that workers wear a half-face air purifying respirator or PAPR equipped with N-100 or P-100 filers as a minimum. It is important to ensure that things such as facial hair and temple bars from eyewear do not interfere with the face seal and that the respirator wearer is properly fit tested. The CDC also recommends that workers wear other personal protective equipment including rubber or plastic gloves.

Moldex® Solution

Moldex^® suggests the N100, P100 disposable respirators or our 7000, 8000 or 9000 with P100 filters for use against Hantavirus. The Hantavirus can be anywhere rodents exist. Workers should consult with their local health department for recommendations in their area.

Affected Industries

Farming
Electricians
Plumbers
Maintenance Crews
Pest Control Workers
Utility Workers
Fire Fighters
Telephone Installers
Construction
Insulation Contractors

Reference

U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hantavirus/index.html

CDC Hantavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus

CDC All About Hantavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus

WARNING: The information contained in this Tech Brief is dated and was accurate to the best of Moldex’s knowledge, on the date above. It is not meant to be comprehensive, nor is it intended to be used in place of the warning/use instructions that accompany Moldex respirators. Outside of the USA, check with all applicable and local government regulations.