Prevention and safe cleaning

WHO and CDC guidance converges on a few simple measures: keep rodents out of buildings, ventilate enclosed spaces for at least 30 minutes before cleaning, and never sweep dry — wet the surfaces with a disinfectant solution first. Wear rubber or vinyl gloves and a fitted mask. Place rodent droppings, dead rodents, and contaminated material in sealed plastic bags before disposal. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards. In rural and outdoor settings, store food in rodent-proof containers, seal building cracks, and clear brush near homes. People at occupational risk — farmers, forestry workers, public-health responders — should follow specific protocols and wear appropriate respiratory protection.