What is a common exposure route for hantavirus?

Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through inhalation of aerosolized particles from rodent excreta, urine, or saliva, making inhalation of contaminated air the most common exposure route. When rodents, particularly those in the deer mouse family, inhabit areas where humans live or work, their droppings can become dried and dust-like, allowing the virus to become airborne. When people breathe in these aerosolized particles, they can contract hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can lead to severe respiratory issues and can be life-threatening.

In contrast, the other routes mentioned do not typically contribute to the spread of hantavirus. Ingestion of contaminated food is not a recognized transmission route, as the virus does not spread through food consumption. Similarly, transfusions from infected blood are not a common transmission pathway for hantavirus, as it is primarily a zoonotic disease with the main reservoir being rodents. Direct contact with infected pets also does not facilitate the transmission of hantavirus, as the primary carriers are wild rodents rather than domesticated animals.