Horror warning issued as deadly virus lurking in homes – severe respiratory distress

A deadly virus is back in the spotlight, prompting pest control experts to warn that it can affect any household where rodents are present. Hantavirus, which is mainly spread by rats and mice, is very rare in the UK but can be fatal.

Betsy Arakawa, classical pianist and the wife of actor Gene Hackman, died of hantavirus last year, and amateur footballer Matias Uribe Nova died of it last week. Experts say the real danger comes when infestations go unnoticed, and contaminated dust is disturbed during cleaning. Pest control specialists at Acorn Environmental Services say many people still underestimate how easily rodents can enter homes and how quickly the risks can escalate. “Hantavirus is one of those illnesses people assume will never affect them,” said John Whiteley-Wilkson, pest control expert at Acorn Environmental Services. “But rodents do not care where you live or how clean your home looks. If they find food and shelter, they will get in.” Hantavirus is usually passed to humans through contact with rodent urine, droppings or saliva. The most common route of infection is inhaling contaminated dust after rodent waste dries.

Symptoms often appear weeks after exposure and can feel like flu at first. These include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, the virus can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a life-threatening condition where fluid builds up in the lungs. 

“The early symptoms are easy to dismiss,” John explained. “That is what makes it so dangerous. People think they are run down or have picked up a virus, when in reality the condition can worsen very quickly.”

Experts say people are most at risk when cleaning areas where rodents have been active, such as lofts, garages, sheds and basements. 

“Sweeping up droppings without protection is one of the biggest mistakes we see,” said John. “That action alone can send contaminated particles straight into the air, where they can be inhaled.”

Hantavirus can also spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, rodent bites and food or water that has been exposed to rodent waste. There is a common belief that rodent problems only affect neglected or run-down properties. Pest control experts say this is simply not true.

“Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as six millimetres,” John said. “That is smaller than most people realise. Even well-maintained homes can have entry points that go unnoticed.”

Large properties, rural homes and city houses are all at risk if food sources and shelter are available. Effective rodent control plays a major role in preventing hantavirus.

Experts recommend sealing gaps around doors, windows and pipework, storing food securely, managing waste properly and keeping gardens clear of debris that could be used for nesting. When cleaning areas where rodents have been present, protective gloves, masks and disinfectants should always be used.

“Droppings should be dampened with a biocide before removal,” John said. “That simple step reduces the chance of contaminated dust becoming airborne.”

While some homeowners attempt to deal with rodents themselves, experts warn that DIY treatments often fail. “Rodents breed fast and adapt quickly,” said Whiteley. “In many areas, house mice are already resistant to common shop-bought poisons, which makes amateur control unreliable.”

Professional pest controllers are trained to properly assess infestations and use treatments not available to the general public. Although hantavirus can be deadly, experts stress that it is largely preventable with early action and proper pest management.

“Strong rodent control and good hygiene make a huge difference,” Whiteley said. “The risk is real, but it is one that people can significantly reduce if they take pest problems seriously.”