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Prevention and cleanup checklist.

A concise starting point based on CDC, WHO, ECDC, and PAHO guidance. For heavy infestations, workplace exposure, ventilation systems, or illness after rodent exposure, consult local public-health officials or a qualified professional before disturbing contaminated areas.

• Reduce rodent access by sealing gaps around doors, foundations, pipes, vents, garages, cabins, and storage areas.
• Remove attractants by keeping food, trash, pet food, and stored supplies in secure containers and reducing clutter or nesting material.
• Control infestations early with traps or professional pest-control support, especially around homes, workplaces, vehicles, and outbuildings.
• Ventilate enclosed spaces before cleanup and put on appropriate protection, including rubber or plastic gloves, before touching contaminated material.
• Wet rodent urine, droppings, nests, dead rodents, and nearby surfaces with disinfectant before wiping or removing them.
• Do not sweep, vacuum, or use high-pressure spraying on rodent waste before it has been disinfected, because contaminated dust can become airborne.
• Dispose of waste safely, disinfect hard surfaces, and wash gloved hands and bare hands thoroughly after cleanup.
• Seek medical advice promptly if fever, muscle aches, breathing symptoms, kidney symptoms, or other illness follows possible rodent exposure.