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	Use Safety Precautions
	NARRATOR: Another important aspect of preventing Hantavirus is to always use safety precautions. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning or working in areas infested with rodents.
	Don't stir up and breathe dust. This happens when you vacuum or sweep up droppings, urine or nesting materials.
	Instead, thoroughly wet contaminated areas with a detergent or liquid that deactivates the virus.
	This includes most general purpose disinfectants and household detergents. Heavily wetting the area with a disinfectant prevents the virus from being stirred up into the air.
	For cleaning large areas you can mix 1 1/2 cups of bleach with 1 gallon of water.
	Once everything is wet, take up contaminated materials with a damp towel. Then mop or sponge the area with disinfectant.

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This page last reviewed February 28, 2000.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Infectious Diseases
Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases
Special Pathogens Branch