Protocols to Prevent Transmission of the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: Three Case Studies

Abstract

The goal of the paper is to explain the risk posed by rodent contaminated materials and environments to cultural heritage professionals, to provide sound information from professional literature and reputable sources, to offer standardized protocols gleaned from these sources, and to view the protocols through case studies from three projects. By spelling out the affinity that rodents have for historic sites, museum collections, archives holdings, records repositories, library collections, and cultural heritage infrastructure it will be clear the risk is paramount. By making clear the widespread habitat of rodents that can spread viruses the case is made for wide adoption of protocols. Diverse professionals, working in conservation and allied fields, can utilize information in this paper as a starting point in planning projects to assess, handle, and treat rodent impacted items, storage areas, and sites.