Hantavirus can be effectively destroyed by regular alcohol-based antiseptics; however, consuming alcohol does not protect against infection and may only weaken the immune system.
This was stated by Samir Mamedov, an associate professor at the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Azerbaijan Medical University, explaining how to properly disinfect premises after the appearance of rodents.
Most often, the sources of infection are mice, voles, and rats. The animals themselves usually do not get sick but excrete the virus through urine, saliva, and feces, and a person can become infected by inhaling dust containing these particles or through damaged skin and mucous membranes.
According to the specialist, hantavirus is not very resistant to alcohol-based solutions: a concentration of 30–40% is sufficient to neutralize it, while the same coronavirus requires at least 70–80% ethanol or 75% isopropanol.
"It is worth mentioning the widespread myth about the protective role of alcoholic beverages. Some people mistakenly believe that consuming alcohol can prevent infection with viral diseases. There is no scientific evidence of the effectiveness of alcoholic beverages against hantavirus. Moreover, alcohol abuse can weaken the immune system and worsen the overall condition of the body. The antiseptic effect of alcohol manifests only with proper external treatment of surfaces and skin," added Mamedov.
When cleaning premises where rodents may have been, the infectious disease specialist advises first treating the surfaces. Sweeping with a broom or using a vacuum cleaner without prior disinfection is not recommended, as viral particles can become airborne.
"Chlorine-containing agents are considered the most effective disinfectant solutions. These solutions can destroy the virus's envelope and reduce the risk of infection," concluded the expert.
Specialists remind us: the main protection against hantavirus is hygiene, proper disinfection, and caution when cleaning premises where rodents may have been. Medical professionals advise against believing dangerous myths about the 'therapeutic' effects of alcohol and to seek medical help at any suspicion of contact with the infection, writes bb.lv. At the same time, the World Health Organization emphasizes that there are currently no signs of a large-scale outbreak of hantavirus in the world.
