Hantavirus risk in Haiphong

Hantavirus in Haiphong: Prevention Guide Hantavirus is a serious viral infection spread through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. It can cause severe respiratory illness. Haiphong scores 56/100 for risk due to its port areas, rice farming, and dense urban zones where rats thrive. Local risk factors in Haiphong include port warehouses storing goods that attract rodents, rice fields on the city outskirts providing ideal rat habitat, and older housing with gaps allowing rodent entry. Flooding in low-lying areas also pushes rats into homes. 5 prevention steps: 1. Seal your home. Block gaps larger than a coin with steel wool or cement. Check around pipes, doors, and roof edges monthly. 2. Store food properly. Keep rice and grains in metal or thick plastic containers. Clean up spills immediately. 3. Handle droppings safely. Never sweep dry droppings. Wet them with bleach solution first, wait 5 minutes, then clean with gloves and mask. 4. Reduce outdoor shelter. Clear woodpiles and debris within 30 meters of your home. Keep grass short near buildings. 5. Report infestations. Contact local health authorities if you see many rats in your area. Do not handle dead rats. If you develop fever, muscle aches, or breathing difficulty after rodent exposure, seek care immediately. Early treatment improves outcomes.