need info on hantavirus

[Dennis]

is it possible for domesticated guinea pigs to get hantvirus?

 

[Swissgreys]

It is highly, highly unlikely that your pet guinea pigs would get hantavirus.
Is there a particular reason you are concerned about this?

As far as I am aware the only cases of guinea pigs with hantavirus (or associated conditions) is in a lab setting.

 

[amy104]

In theory yes but as above highly unlikely. Just make sure you practice good hygeine when cleaning the cage, washing hands after handling etc. In theory there are lots of pets you can get zoonoses from but its a minimal risk if you are sensible.

 

[Dennis]

It is highly, highly unlikely that your pet guinea pigs would get hantavirus.
Is there a particular reason you are concerned about this?

As far as I am aware the only cases of guinea pigs with hantavirus (or associated conditions) is in a lab setting.

my wife has the hantavirus from cleaning the shed and insist it is the guinea pigs

 

[Dennis]

is it possible to create there hantavirus by not cleaning often enough?or do they need to be in contact with inefected?

 

[VickiA]

I’ve not heard of anyone getting hantavirus from guinea pigs. Are there mice or rats in or frequenting your shed?

 

[Freela]

You are far more likely to contract hantavirus from contact with the droppings of wild deer mice than any domestic pet. It's much more likely that contaminated dry mouse droppings were in the shed. When you clean dried droppings, small particles become airborne and can be breathed in, which is how infection takes place. Wearing a mask that filters small particles when cleaning out areas with mouse infestations and then washing your hands well is the best way to avoid breathing in infected particles. It's also helpful to spray down mouse areas with a disinfectant (like dilute bleach) before cleaning with a mask to prevent the infected dust from becoming airborne in the first place. We have a cottage/boathouse in a deer mouse area, which is why I know all these precautions for minimizing risk while cleaning out rodent areas or potential rodent areas.

Is your wife okay? Hantavirus can be really serious!