What parents should know about talking to kids about hantavirus
As concerns around hantavirus continue to make headlines, many parents may be wondering how to answer questions from worried kids without causing panic.
Hantavirus, a family of viruses that can cause serious illness and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has recently been in the news following an outbreak aboard the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, which departed from Argentina in early April.
To date, two people are confirmed to have died from the virus -- a third person is suspected to have died from the virus -- and the number of confirmed cases associated with the outbreak continues to grow, according to health officials.
The increased media attention may leave some children with questions or fears about the virus, particularly those who may remember the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calming kids' fears
Dr. Tanya Altmann, a practicing pediatrician, told ABC News it is important for parents to keep in mind during conversations with children that most people in the U.S. are at "very low risk" for contracting hantavirus.
"Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious virus spread primarily through close contact with infected rodents, especially deer mice, and their droppings, urine or saliva," said Altmann, who is also the founder of Calabasas Pediatrics and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. "The important thing for parents to know is that while headlines can sound alarming, hantavirus infections remain very uncommon in the United States. Most families are at very low risk in their everyday lives."
She added that awareness, not panic, should be the focus for families talking to children about the virus.
"The key is not [to] panic. Prevention and knowing when to seek medical care is what I have been sharing with parents in my practice," Altmann said.
According to Altmann, hantavirus is most commonly spread when tiny particles from rodent urine or droppings become airborne and are inhaled. This can happen when cleaning enclosed spaces such as cabins, sheds, garages, attics or RVs where rodents have been present.
"Families should be more cautious in rural or wooded areas, while camping, opening seasonal cabins, cleaning storage spaces or spending time in places with signs of mice or rodent activity," Altmann said.
Still, she emphasized that most everyday activities do not put children at high risk.
"Simply traveling, going on a cruise ship, being outdoors or going camping does not mean a child is likely to get hantavirus," Altmann said. "The biggest risk comes from exposure to rodent-infested enclosed spaces."
Altmann said early symptoms can resemble the flu and may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. As the illness progresses, coughing and difficulty breathing can develop.
"Parents should contact their pediatrician promptly if their child develops significant flu-like symptoms after a known rodent exposure or after spending time cleaning or staying in a rodent-infested space," she said.
Prevention tips for families
"Prevention is very practical and effective," Altmann said.
She said she recommends families avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, which can send particles into the air. Instead, she advises ventilating the area first and cleaning with disinfectant while wearing gloves.
Altmann also recommends families keep food sealed and dispose of trash properly when camping; avoid sleeping in spaces with visible rodent activity; seal holes or gaps in homes, garages, and cabins where mice can enter; and teach kids not to touch rodents, nests or droppings.
Finally, Altmann reminded people to wash their hands well after outdoor activities or cleaning storage areas.
Avoiding unnecessary fear
Altmann urged parents to keep current risks in perspective when talking to their kids about hantavirus.
"One misconception is that hantavirus is spreading casually from person to person like a cold or flu virus," she said. "In the U.S., hantavirus is overwhelmingly linked to rodent exposure, not everyday interactions with other people."
She added that parents should not avoid outdoor activities altogether because of the recent headlines.
"Outdoor play, hiking and nature are incredibly healthy for children and families," Altmann said. "Parents simply need to use common-sense precautions around rodents and enclosed spaces that may contain droppings."
"The biggest message I want parents to hear is: stay informed, not fearful," Altmann added. "Hantavirus is rare, but prevention and awareness go a long way."
For more information about hantavirus, including symptoms, prevention and safety guidance, families can visit the CDC's hantavirus resource page.
