What action did the CDC recommend for facilities with confirmed hantavirus infection?

• A. Depopulation of confirmed facilities
• B. Immediate repopulation
• C. No action
• D. Vaccination of animals

Answer: (A)

Controlling hantavirus exposure in a facility hinges on removing the source of infection and preventing ongoing exposure. Hantavirus is carried by rodents, and contaminated buildings or supplies can keep presenting a risk to workers even after the infection is identified. The CDC guidance in this situation is to depopulate the facility—remove and dispose of infected animals and contaminated materials, then conduct thorough environmental decontamination and implement rodent-proofing measures before any reopening or repopulation. This approach stops the reservoir of the virus from sustaining transmission.

Replacing the animals and allowing repopulation right away would reintroduce the virus and expose people again. Taking no action leaves workers at continuous risk, and there isn’t a practical, approved vaccination that would safely protect animals or personnel in this context.