Rodent-to-human and rodent-to-rodent transmission of hantaviruses can occur via which mechanisms?

• A. Aerosolization of virus from urine/droppings/bedding
• B. Direct contact with mucous membranes or broken skin
• C. Bites
• D. All of the above

Answer: (C)

Hantavirus transmission from rodents to humans or between rodents can happen through three main pathways. First, aerosolized virus from urine, droppings, or saliva can become airborne when rodent material is disturbed, allowing inhalation of infected particles—this is the most widely described route for human infections. Second, direct contact with contaminated material or with an infected animal can transfer virus to mucous membranes or broken skin, so touching contaminated surfaces and then rubbing eyes or nose can lead to infection. Third, bites from infected rodents can inject the virus directly into tissue, a route that is plausible though less common. Among rodents themselves, these same mechanisms—arian inhalation of aerosols, direct contact, and bites—facilitate transmission. So, all three mechanisms are biologically plausible routes for hantavirus spread in these contexts.