Department of Health reports sixth hantavirus case of 2023

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) reports six New Mexico residents have been diagnosed with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) since the beginning of 2023. On average, three or four people are typically diagnosed with HPS over the course of a year in New Mexico. 

These individuals resided in McKinley, San Juan, and Taos Counties. Two patients have died; the four surviving patients were all hospitalized and required oxygen or intensive care before being able to return home. 

“Everyone in New Mexico should learn about hantavirus infections and take the necessary steps to minimize possible exposures,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH Deputy State Epidemiologist. “The key to preventing infections is to avoid exposure to rodents and their nests.” 

HPS is a severe respiratory illness 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. The CDC has additional tips on how to control wild rodent infestations.

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El Departamento de Salud informa del sexto caso de hantavirus de 2023