Dr. Charlotte P. Brennand,
USU Extension Food Safety Specialist
One of the problems in storing food is that it can attract rodents. Rodents have been identified as carriers of hantavirus; therefore, care needs to be taken when working in an area that shows signs of rodent infestation. Considering how long man and rodents have been living in close proximity, the number of cases is surprisingly low. However, hantavirus has a high fatality rate, and it is logical to take precautions. It is relatively easy to kill the virus.