Which environmental exposure is linked to hantavirus infection in the described case?

• A. Abandoned storage shed
• B. Flooded basement
• C. Fresh water lake
• D. Hospital laundry

Answer: (A)

Hantavirus infection is most often acquired when dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or nesting material becomes aerosolized and inhaled. Enclosed or rarely cleaned spaces with rodent activity provide ideal conditions for this exposure, because droppings accumulate and can be stirred up by movement or air flow. An abandoned storage shed is a classic setting where rodents may nest and droppings build up, making inhalation of contaminated dust the most likely route in the described case.

The other environments don’t fit the typical exposure pattern. A flooded basement is more associated with moisture problems and mold-related or contact exposures rather than hantavirus. A fresh water lake doesn’t align with the usual aerosolized-excreta route. Hospital laundry involves contact with textiles and potential exposure to other pathogens, but it’s not a common source for hantavirus transmission.