Risk factors

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is most common in rural areas of the western United States during the spring and summer months. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome also occurs in South America and Canada. Other hantaviruses occur in Asia, where they cause kidney disorders rather than lung problems.

The chance of developing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is greater for people who work, live or play in spaces where rodents live. Factors and activities that increase the risk include:

• Opening and cleaning long unused buildings or sheds
• Housecleaning, particularly in attics or other low-traffic areas
• Having a home or workspace infested with rodents
• Having a job that involves exposure to rodents, such as construction, utility work and pest control
• Camping, hiking or hunting