The HCSP reiterates its recommendations regarding environmental hygiene of public premises and workplaces, as well as universal hygiene measures for the prevention of infectious diseases in the general population.
Based on current data regarding the persistence of the ANDV virus on surfaces, its sensitivity to biocides, its inactivation by detergents and modes of interpersonal transmission, the HCSP issues the following recommendations depending on the situation:
- For patients in isolation in healthcare settings : application of the recommendations issued by the French Society for Hospital Hygiene (SF2H)
- For asymptomatic individuals at home with a negative blood PCR test : disposal of waste in household rubbish with a waiting time for PCR result and cleaning of surfaces
- For contacts reporting symptoms suggestive of Andes hantavirus infection and/or a positive blood PCR test in a non-hospital setting (notably at home, in a community setting, on public transport, or at a tourist site):
- scheduled ventilation of the premises,
- cleaning and disinfection of surfaces by specialist professionals trained and qualified in infection control,
- disinfection of the toilet bowl or siphons using bleach (0.5%)
- disposal of waste contaminated or likely to be contaminated with ANDV via a dedicated collection of medical waste, regardless of whether the patient is receiving home hospital care.
The HCSP also draws attention to the information procedures and conditions for home hospitalisation for contacts who report symptoms suggestive of ANDV infection and/or a positive blood PCR test.