Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Data

HANTAVIRUS

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a severe respiratory illness that can be deadly. It is caused by the Sin Nombre virus, one of a family of viruses that is found worldwide. It can be transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva.

Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. HPS was first recognized in 1993 and has since been identified throughout the United States. Although rare, HPS is potentially deadly. Rodent control in and around the home remains the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus infection.

Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome: Information for New Mexico Physicians and Health Care Workers

Manual for Investigation and Control of Communicable Diseases in New Mexico, 2008: Hantavirus chapter

Hantavirus Prevention Pamplet

Frequently Asked Questions About Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome:

FAQ - English

Preguntas frecuentes acerca de Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome - U.S. Cases

(THROUGH MARCH 26, 2007 - latest CDC data)

As of March 26, 2007, a total of 465 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome had been reported in the United States, from 31 states.
The mean age of confirmed case patients is 38 years (range: 10 to 83 years)
The case fatality rate in the United States is 35%

Hantavirus Activity in New Mexico

(updated 01/26/2010)

Map of Human Cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in New Mexico, 2009

There have been no reported cases of hantavirus infection in New Mexico in 2010.
New Mexico had four cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in 2009. None of these was fatal.
In 2008, New Mexico had two cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, both of which were fatal.
There were three cases in 2007, one of which was fatal.
New Mexico has reported a total of 82 hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases with 33 deaths since 1975.