Arizona Hantavirus Hazards from Rodent Nests in Vehicles Poster

HAZARD NOTICE 	
 
ARIZONA DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH 
 
DATE:   October  10,  2000 
 
RE:  Potential exposure to hantavirus and other rodent-borne diseases when removing 
rodent infestations from vehicles. 
 
The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) is issuing this Hazard Notice 
to warn employers and employees who service motor vehicles of the potential exposure to 
rodent-borne diseases when their nests are encountered.  In certain parts of the country, it is not 
uncommon to encounter a rodent nest underneath vehicles that have been idle or infrequently 
used for long periods of time.   
 
Idle vehicles provide opportunities for rodents to build their nests.  When the vehicles are 
returned to service, they are often taken to service centers for inspections and/or repairs.  It is 
during this servicing that technicians can be exposed to potential viruses, such as hantavirus, if 
contact is made with the nest or associated debris.  If it is necessary to remove or otherwise 
contact these nests, ADOSH recommends that employees be furnished and required to wear the 
following personal protective equipment (PPE): 
 
• A NIOSH approved, N100 negative pressure respirator with HEPA filters; 
• Safety glasses 
• Gloves (latex or similarly protective) 
• Tyvek© full-body suit 
 
All waste material should be carefully placed into a plastic bag and then sealed prior to 
placement in a dumpster. 
 
Hantavirus and other rodent-borne diseases can be serious.  Possible symptoms of exposure 
include fatigue, fever and muscle aches.  There may also be accompanying symptoms such as 
headaches, dizziness and abdominal problems.  Late symptoms include coughing and shortness 
of breath.  Severe cases may result in death. 
 
The ADOSH consultation section is available to assist employers and employees with 
occupational safety and health issues, including those mentioned in this Hazard Notice.  For 
additional information, contact the consultation section listed below or visit the Center for 
Disease Control’s web site at www.cdc.gov	
. 
 
Phoenix	
     Tucson	 
 
800 W. Washington    2675 E. Broadway 
Phoenix, AZ  85007        Tucson, AZ  85716 
(602) 542-1769    (520) 628-5478 
HN 00-01