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New Mexico’s hantavirus strain is different from cruise ship outbreak and does not spread between people
SANTA FE – As news coverage of a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship raises questions, New Mexico health officials want residents to know: the hantavirus strain found in New Mexico is different from the one causing illness abroad and cannot spread from person to person.
The cruise ship infections are caused by Andes hantavirus found in Argentina and Chile. No New Mexico residents were aboard the cruise ship, and there is low risk to the general public at this time.
New Mexico's strain -Sin Nombre hantavirus-is transmitted through contact with infected rodents, such as when droppings or nests are disturbed and virus particles become airborne. Sin Nombre virus does not spread between people.
There are many different strains of hantavirus, with about half known to infect humans. Andes hantavirus is notable as the only type of hantavirus that can spread person-to-person, but it does not spread easily and requires close contact.
"Andes hantavirus is not new; it has been recognized since the mid-1990's," said Dr. Erin Phipps, New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) state public health veterinarian. "New Mexicans should not worry about the Andes virus in the state."
To reduce your risk of contracting Sin Nombre hantavirus in New Mexico:
- Air out closed‐up buildings such as cabins and sheds, as well as abandoned or stored vehicles, before entering.
- Soak nests and droppings with a disinfectant such as a 10% bleach solution before wiping them up with paper towels. Use gloves and consider using a mask.
- Do not vacuum or sweep up rodent droppings because that can spread virus particles into the air where they can be inhaled.
- Put hay, wood, and compost piles as far as possible from your home and dispose of trash and junk piles.
- Trap mice and seal up homes to prevent rodents from entering.
For more information about this virus, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, visit the department of health's Hantavirus webpage or call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) or text NMDOH (66364).
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