Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) 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.

Rodent control in and around the home remains the primary strategy for preventing Hantavirus infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about Hantavirus including what it is, what the symptoms are, how it spreads, how long people are contagious, what treatments are available, and how to protect yourself from the virus.

• English: Hantavirus Frequently Asked Questions
• Spanish: Hantavirus Preguntas más Frecuentes

Prevention Pamphlet

This helpful Hantavirus Prevention Pamphlet explains how to prevent Hantavirus. The steps include airing out and sealing up buildings, trapping mice, and cleaning up droppings and nests. It also describes what the symptoms of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome are.

Rodent-Proofing Techniques

Controlling rodents in buildings is possible, and can protect public health. Please read the Rodent Exclusion Manual for more information.

Physicians & Healthcare Workers

This Hantavirus Information for Physicians & Healthcare Workers document provides information about Hantavirus for New Mexico physicians and healthcare workers including clinical recognition, presumptive laboratory recognition, presumptive clinical and laboratory diagnosis, immediate consultation and referral, rapid diagnostic testing, and more.

Activity in New Mexico

There have been five confirmed cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in New Mexico in 2024. 1 in Sandoval County, 1 in Cibola County, 1 in San Juan County, 1 in McKinley County, and 1 in Quay County.

There were seven reported cases of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in New Mexico in 2023.

There were three reported cases of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in New Mexico in 2022.

See the following news releases for more information:

• 04/13/2023: Department of Health reports Hantavirus in Four Corners region

Activity from Previous Years

• New Mexico reported a total of 129 Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases with 52 deaths between 1975 and 2023.

New Mexico Case Data

Case data from previous years are archived below for historical reference.

Cumulative

• Human Cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in New Mexico in 1975-2023 by County, Year, Month, & Demographics
• 08/17/2020: Department of Health reports first human hantavirus pulmonary syndrome case of 2020

Learn More

Please visit the CDC's Hantavirus Information page for more information about HPS.