The New Mexico Department of Health reported that six New Mexico residents were diagnosed with hantavirus in 2023. The average number of diagnosed cases in New Mexico ranges from three to four people, according to NMDOH. Three counties have confirmed cases: Taos, San Juan and McKinley. Two people have died after their positive diagnosis. The other four patients were due to be in the hospital and were placed in intensive care or on oxygen. In the state, deer mice are the main carriers of the hantavirus, and the virus can be found in droppings and urine, according to NMDOH. The virus can be contracted through the respiratory system.Related Hantavirus StoriesNavajo Nation Hantavirus Public Health Advisory15-Year-Old Boy Dies After Contracting HantavirusThe virus can also be contracted by touching your eyes, nose, or throat mouth after touching mouse droppings or urine. The hantavirus cannot be transmitted from person to person. NMDOH said the virus is normally contracted from mouse droppings around houses, cabins or sheds in enclosed areas. The early stages of symptoms can look and feel like the flu or a stomach bug. Other symptoms that may be shown or felt are fever, fatigue, and muscle aches with chills. Symptoms may begin to develop within a week after exposure. The health department offered these tips for New Mexicans to stay safe: Ventilate enclosed buildings like cabins and sheds, along with abandoned and stored vehicles. Seal houses and other shelters to keep mice out. If you find droppings or nests, soak them with disinfectant before cleaning. Don’t leave pet food or water where mice can get it.
The New Mexico Department of Health reported that six New Mexico residents were diagnosed with hantavirus in 2023.
The average number of cases diagnosed in New Mexico ranges from three to four people, according to NMDOH. Three counties have confirmed cases: Taos, San Juan and McKinley.
Two people have died after their positive diagnosis. The other four patients were due to be in the hospital and were placed in intensive care or on oxygen.
In the state, deer mice are the main carriers of the hantavirus, and the virus can be found in droppings and urine, according to NMDOH. The virus can be contracted through the respiratory system.
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The virus can also be contracted by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching mouse droppings or urine. The hantavirus cannot be transmitted from person to person.
NMDOH said the virus is normally contracted from mouse droppings around houses, cabins or sheds in enclosed areas.
The early stages of symptoms can look and feel like the flu or a stomach bug. Other symptoms that may be shown or felt are fever, fatigue, and muscle aches with chills. Symptoms may begin to develop within a week after exposure.
The health department offered these tips for New Mexicans to stay safe:
- Air out enclosed buildings such as cabins and sheds, along with abandoned and stored vehicles.
- Trap mice until they are removed from the property.
- Seal houses and other shelters to keep mice out.
- If you find droppings or nests, soak them with disinfectant before cleaning.
- Do not blow rodent droppings into the air where they can be inhaled.
- Remove piles of trash and junk.
- Don’t leave pet food or water where mice can get it.
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