Five Hantavirus Cases Reported in Region, 1 Fatality

White-Footed Deermouse (Courtesy: J. N. Stuart/Flickr)

All of the people are unrelated, occurring in different locations in the Four Corners region. One person died from the virus. The four surviving patients all required hospitalization, including time in intensive care units, before being able to return home.   HPS is a severe respiratory illness is caused by the Sin Nombre virus. In New Mexico, deer mice are the main carriers of Hantavirus. The virus is found in mice droppings and urine. 

From the NM Department of Health

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) Scientific Laboratory Division reports three people with Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) discovered within the last two weeks, bringing the 2023 case total to five.  

All of the people are unrelated, occurring in different locations in the Four Corners region. One person died from the virus. The four surviving patients all required hospitalization, including time in intensive care units, before being able to return home.  

HPS is a severe respiratory illness is caused by the Sin Nombre virus. In New Mexico, deer mice are the main carriers of Hantavirus. The virus is found in mice droppings and urine. 

A person may get HPS by breathing in the virus. This can happen when droppings or urine containing the virus are stirred up and the virus is put into the air as mist or dust. Persons can also get Hantavirus by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth after they have touched droppings or urine that contains the virus. HPS is not transmitted from person-to-person. 

People are usually exposed to Hantavirus around their homes, cabins or sheds especially when they clean out or explore enclosed areas that have lots of mouse droppings. Mice may try to enter buildings to find shelter, so it is important to seal up homes and other structures used by people. 

Early symptoms of HPS infection may look and feel like the flu or a “stomach bug” and include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, possibly with chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cough which progresses to respiratory distress and severe illness.  

Symptoms typically develop within one to six weeks after rodent exposure, and although there is no specific treatment for HPS, chances for recovery are better if medical attention is sought early and the healthcare provider is given a report about environmental contact with rodents.  

To prevent contracting Hantavirus, follow these important steps: 

  • Air out closed‐up buildings such as cabins and sheds, as well as abandoned or stored vehicles before entering 
  • Trap mice until they are all gone 
  • Seal up homes and shelters to prevent rodents from entering 
  • Soak nests and droppings with a disinfectant such as a 10 percent bleach solution before cleaning them up 
  • Don’t sweep up rodent droppings into the air where they can be inhaled 
  • Put hay, wood, and compost piles as far as possible from your home 
  • Get rid of trash and junk piles 
  • Don’t leave your pet’s food and water where mice can get to it 

More information about Hantavirus can be found on the Department of Health’s website. Click here for additional tips on how to control wild rodent infestations.

More from Local News

  • City Breaks Ground on Pinon Hills Extension

    Farmington Officials gathered with representatives from the NM Department of Transportation and San Juan County to break ground on the long-anticipated Pinon Hills Boulevard Extension Project. San Juan County announced that design work on their section of the project is 90% completed.

  • Back to Bloomfield: Summers Selected as New Superintendent

    Kevin Summers will be returning to the Bloomfield School District as Superintendent, after the retirement of Dr. Kim Mizell at the end of the current school year. Summers' hire makes an opening in the Superintendent's Office in Aztec where he has served for the past three years.

  • Fort Lewis College Seeks New President

    Fort Lewis College President Tom Stritikus is stepping down to become the President at Occidental College, a four-year liberal arts college in Los Angeles, Calif.     He will leave after this year’s Spring Commencement scheduled for Saturday, May 4.  

  • First Navajo Set to join Farmington City Council

    There were 10 applicants for the vacant seat for District 2. Herman Buck will serve for 18 months with the option to run for election at the end of the current term. Council unanimously approved his appointment tonight. He will officially take office Wednesday morning after completing the swearing-in process.

  • Aztec Mill Levy Passes by 71 Vote Margin

    Unofficial results show the Aztec Mill Levy Mail in Ballot question passed with the 71 vote margin. The voting deadline was 7pm Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

  • Candidates Declare their Intent to Run in the June 4, 2024 Primary

    Some returning candidates and also some new names from Tuesday's filing day on March 12, 2024. These candidates have filed their notice to run in the June 4, 2024 Primary. Some candidates are unopposed. The winners in June will face off on November 5, 2024.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 66°F | Low: 37°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 57°F | Low: 30°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 70°F | Low: 39°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 63°F | Low: 37°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 59°F | Low: 36°F