As hantavirus 'season' looms, state health officials urge residents to take precautions
Most cases of illness in state are reported in spring, summer
- Only one case of HPS has been confirmed in New Mexico so far this year.
- There were seven cases last year, with two of those patients dying.
- McKinley County has had more confirmed HPS cases than any other county in the state since 1975.
While only a single case of hantavirus has been confirmed in New Mexico so far this year, state health officials are urging residents to exercise caution and avoid contracting the illness as rodent populations increase with the warmer weather.
Officials with the New Mexico Department of Health announced in a Feb. 20 news release that a San Juan County man had contracted the state’s first case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome this year. While the man was hospitalized, he did recover and was sent home, according to the release.
Since that time, no additional cases have been confirmed in New Mexico, said David Morgan, the department’s spokesman.
HPS is described by officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a severe, sometimes fatal respiratory disease caused by infection with hantaviruses, which often are carried by rodents. A total of seven HPS cases were confirmed in New Mexico in 2023 among patients in McKinley, San Juan and Taos counties, and two of those patients died, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
Morgan said if a “hantavirus season” exists in New Mexico, it likely would be considered spring and summer — a time when the number of rodents increases and residents are more likely to find themselves cleaning in enclosed spaces where mice droppings and urine may be present. Morgan supplied data indicating that from 1975 through 2023, confirmed cases of HPS peaked throughout the state in the months of April, May, June and July.
There were 129 confirmed cases of HPS in the state over that time frame, with 43% of those people dying.
How to recognize HPS
Most patients develop symptoms with one to six weeks after exposure, according to state health officials, presenting characteristics that may look and feel like the flu or stomach bug. Those suffering from HPS may experience fever and muscle aches, along with chills, headache, nausea, vomiting diarrhea, abdominal pain and coughing. The latter can progress to respiratory distress and severe illness, health officials said.
How to avoid getting HPS
To reduce the risk of contracting HPS, health officials recommend taking the following 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 gone
- Seal up homes and shelters to prevent rodents from entering
- Soak nests and droppings with a disinfectant such as a 10% bleach solution before cleaning them up
- Do not 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
- Dispose of trash and junk piles
- Do not leave your pet’s food and water where mice can access it.
State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps said it is important to seal homes and other structures, as mice often try to enter them to find shelter.
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“While there is no specific treatment for HPS, the chances of recovery are better when medical attention is sought early, and the health care provider is informed about any environmental contact with rodents,” Phipps stated in the news release.
Which part of New Mexico is most at risk for hantavirus?
Between 1975 and 2023, the 129 cases of HPS confirmed in New Mexico occurred mostly in the northern part of the state, according to health department data. McKinley County led the way with 59 cases, while San Juan and Taos counties were second with 14. Cibola County was fourth when 10 cases.
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Only 17 of the state’s 33 counties have reported a case of HPS in that time. Among southern New Mexico counties, Otero County leads the way with four cases, while Torrance County was next with two. Catron and Doña Ana counties had one confirmed case each.
A disease at home in the West
The CDC website reports that hantavirus disease surveillance got its start in the United States when there was as severe outbreak of the illness in 1993 in the Four Corners region. Between 1993 and 2021, 94% of the HPS cases confirmed in the United States occurred west of the Mississippi River.
During that same time, New Mexico and Colorado led all other states with 119 confirmed cases. Arizona was next with 85, followed by California with 78 and Washington with 59. No state east of the Mississippi River had more than eight.
Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 ormeasterling@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e.