A 37 YEAR OLD WOMAN FROM SANDOVAL COUNTY IS NOW HOSPITALIZED WITH THE HANTAVIRUS. STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY IT’S THE FIRST CASE FOR 2016. NOW, AN ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION WILL BE DONE AT THE WOMAN’S HOME TO REDUCE THE RISK TO OTHERS.
HANTAVIRUS IS CARRIED BY RODENTS SUCH AS DEER MICE. THE VIRUS IS SPREAD THROUGH THE MICE DROPPINGS WHICH CAN THEN BE STIRRED UP INTO THE AIR WHERE IT CAN BE BREATHED IN. THE CHANCES FOR RECOVERY ARE BETTER IF MEDICAL ATTENTION IS SOUGHT EARLY.
SINCE 1993, WHEN THE VIRUS WAS DISCOVERED, THERE HAVE BEEN 102 LAB-CONFIRMED CASES IN NEW MEXICO WITH 42 OF THEM BEING FATAL.
