Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious illness carried primarily by rodents, especially deer mice. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the overall risk to the public and aviation workers remains low.
Current international concern involves the Andes virus strain, which has shown rare human-to-human transmission in South America. Currently, both the CDC and PHAC advise that the risk of casual transmission aboard aircraft remains low, and there is no evidence of widespread airborne transmission similar to COVID-19.
Symptoms
Early symptoms may resemble the flu and include:
- fever
- fatigue
- muscle aches
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
Serious cases can lead to breathing difficulties and severe lung complications. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop after a possible exposure.
How It Spreads
Exposure may occur through contact with:
- rodent urine, droppings, or saliva
- contaminated dust disturbed into the air
- contaminated surfaces followed by touching the face
Avoid sweeping or vacuuming suspected rodent contamination, as this can spread particles into the air.
Aviation Risk
The risk to cabin crew remains very low. Hantavirus is not considered a routine airborne threat in normal cabin operations. If any passenger is suspected of, or confirmed to be suffering from the virus and showing symptoms, follow the SOPs for Contagious Disease Suspected on Board (FAM 3.16.1).
Protecting Yourself
Crew members can reduce risk by:
- washing hands regularly
- avoiding touching the face during service duties
- wearing gloves when handling garbage or contamination
- disinfecting galley and high-touch surfaces regularly
- promptly reporting signs of pests or contamination
Maintaining Sanitary Work Conditions
Good sanitation practices help prevent pest attraction and contamination:
- avoid overfilling waste trolleys and tie waste bags securely before disposal
- remove food waste promptly
- keep galley and storage areas clean and dry
- clean spills and food debris immediately
- report biohazard spills or contamination promptly
Mental Health Considerations
Crew members should be aware of mental health considerations. Public concern and media coverage may increase anxiety among crew and passengers. Crew are reminded that current public health assessments indicate LOW risk to the general Canadian population and that existing aviation infection control procedures remain effective.
PPE kits are on board for Cabin crew to use at their discretion to protect themselves. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your supervisor and the members of your Health and Safety team. Don’t forget to fill out safety reports if you detect any hazards and Injury Declaration Reports should you become ill while on duty. EAP is also available 24hrs a day 7 days a week.
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Hantavirus spreads easily between people.
Fact: Human-to-human spread is extremely rare and mainly associated with the Andes strain in South America.
Myth: Only outdoor workers are at risk.
Fact: Exposure can occur anywhere rodent contamination is present, including workplaces and storage areas.
Myth: Dry rodent droppings are harmless.
Fact: Disturbing dried droppings may release contaminated particles into the air.
In Solidarity,
Your Health & Safety Committee