Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Risks in Household Settings

Risk of Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection

Hello Dr.
Lin,
Yesterday, I went to my elder's house and was about to take a shower when my elder accidentally spilled a cup of water.
In a hurry, I grabbed a cloth to wipe the floor.
While wiping, I noticed yellow and black stains, but I didn't think much of it and continued to clean.
After my shower, my family mentioned that about six months ago, they had caught a mouse in the area where I wiped, and the yellow and black stains were mouse droppings and urine.
My elder's house does not have a habit of mopping the floor; they only sweep it occasionally.
1.
I would like to ask the doctor how long hantavirus and leptospira can survive in the environment.
Is there still a risk of infection after six months? (I directly handled it with a cloth, and my hands came into contact with the dry droppings and urine.)

2.
Since I was handling this just before taking a shower, I was only wearing underwear, thinking I would clean up and then take a shower.
While wiping the water and wringing out the cloth, dirty water splashed on my face, body, and underwear.
I did not wear gloves while cleaning (not knowing that there had been a mouse caught there) and only washed my hands with soap afterward.
After washing my hands, I also used dish soap to wash a cup (using my hands) and then drank a glass of water from that cup without disinfecting it.
Is there a risk of infection from drinking water from the cup without disinfection? Do I need to disinfect the bathroom after my shower? I hand-washed my underwear with only soap; do I need to disinfect them separately?
3.
I have mild dermatitis on the backs of both hands (it stings when I wash my hands with water).
Does this increase the risk of infection?
Thank you, doctor!

Xiao You, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/07

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine

1.
There is no precise data, but viruses typically do not survive outside the body for more than a few days, so there is definitely no risk of transmission after six months.

2.
No, because the virus cannot survive that long after six months.

3.
Based on the scenario you described, there is no risk.

Reply Date: 2024/01/07

More Info

To address your concerns regarding Hantavirus and Leptospirosis infection risks in household settings, it’s important to understand the nature of these pathogens, their survival in the environment, and the associated risks based on your recent experiences.

1. Survival Time of Hantavirus and Leptospirosis: Hantavirus, which is primarily transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, typically does not survive long outside of its host. Studies suggest that Hantavirus can remain viable in dried droppings for a few hours to a couple of days under optimal conditions, but it is unlikely to survive for months. Given that the droppings you encountered were from six months ago, the risk of infection from Hantavirus is extremely low. Similarly, Leptospira, the bacteria responsible for Leptospirosis, can survive in moist environments for weeks to months, but the risk of infection also diminishes significantly over time, especially in dry conditions. Since you handled dried droppings, the likelihood of transmission is minimal.

2. Risk of Infection from Contaminated Surfaces: Regarding your concern about drinking from a cup that may have been contaminated, while it is always best practice to sanitize items that may have come into contact with potential pathogens, the risk of infection from Hantavirus or Leptospirosis in this scenario is low, especially given the time elapsed since the droppings were present. However, it is advisable to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling any potentially contaminated materials. For your bathing area, a general cleaning with soap and water should suffice, but if you wish to be extra cautious, using a disinfectant can provide peace of mind. As for your underwear, washing them with soap is typically adequate; however, if you are concerned about contamination, consider using a laundry disinfectant.

3. Skin Conditions and Infection Risk: Your mention of having mild dermatitis on your hands raises a valid concern. Broken skin can increase susceptibility to infections, including bacterial infections. If your skin is compromised, it is crucial to ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly and avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or increased pain, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.

In summary, while your concerns are understandable, the risk of contracting Hantavirus or Leptospirosis from the situation you described is very low, especially given the time elapsed since the droppings were present. Practicing good hygiene, such as thorough handwashing and cleaning surfaces, will further reduce any potential risks. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have ongoing concerns, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and peace of mind.

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