Hantavirus infection is primarily linked to exposure to what?

Hantavirus infection is primarily linked to exposure to rodent feces. This connection is well established in epidemiological studies that have demonstrated that the primary carriers of hantavirus are specific rodent species, such as the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). These rodents shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva.

When people come into contact with contaminated environments, particularly in areas where rodent populations are high, they may inhale aerosolized particles or have direct exposure to the feces, leading to infection. This mode of transmission highlights the importance of minimizing contact with rodent excreta, especially in rural and semi-rural settings where human-rodent interactions are more frequent. Understanding this transmission route is crucial for implementing preventive measures against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), the severe respiratory illness caused by the virus.

In contrast, the other options do not have the same established link to hantavirus infection. Farm animals, birds, and rabbits are not recognized as primary reservoirs for the virus, making them less relevant in the context of hantavirus transmission. Thus, recognizing the specific association of hantavirus with rodent feces is key to understanding the epidemiological features of this infection.