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Multiple Choice

Which statement accurately describes hantavirus exposure as per the material?

Hantavirus exposure is mainly linked to contact with rodents, especially infected mice, which shed the virus in their urine, feces, and saliva. Humans typically become infected by inhaling dust contaminated with these excreta or by touching contaminated materials and then touching the face. This route of exposure—through rodent reservoirs and contaminated dust—is why the statement about mice being the primary source is the best description. The other possibilities don’t fit: mosquitoes do not transmit hantavirus, it is not a plant pathogen, and the virus can infect humans, so those options mischaracterize the virus’s biology and transmission. For prevention, reduce rodent access, clean up with damp methods to avoid stirring up dust, and use appropriate protective equipment when cleaning areas with rodent activity.

Hantavirus exposure is mainly linked to contact with rodents, especially infected mice, which shed the virus in their urine, feces, and saliva. Humans typically become infected by inhaling dust contaminated with these excreta or by touching contaminated materials and then touching the face. This route of exposure—through rodent reservoirs and contaminated dust—is why the statement about mice being the primary source is the best description.

The other possibilities don’t fit: mosquitoes do not transmit hantavirus, it is not a plant pathogen, and the virus can infect humans, so those options mischaracterize the virus’s biology and transmission. For prevention, reduce rodent access, clean up with damp methods to avoid stirring up dust, and use appropriate protective equipment when cleaning areas with rodent activity.