Hantavirus confirmed in Santa Fe County resident

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health reported a Santa Fe County resident was hospitalized with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – the first case in New Mexico this year – and has since recovered.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe respiratory disease which is fatal in approximately a third of affected people. New Mexico recorded seven cases in 2025, with three of them fatal.

In New Mexico, deer mice are the primary carriers of hantavirus, though it can be found in other rodents. The virus is found in mouse droppings and urine. People are typically exposed to hantavirus around their homes, cabins or sheds, especially when cleaning out or exploring areas where there are mouse droppings.

“It is important to air out cabins, sheds, garages and other spaces before any spring cleaning,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).  “While hantavirus cases remain rare, they can be fatal, so we urge New Mexicans to take preventative measures when cleaning areas where rodents may be.” 

Symptoms of HPS typically develop within one to six weeks after exposure and may feel like the flu or a stomach bug. People with HPS may go on to experience fever and muscle aches, possibly accompanied by chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cough, which can progress to severe illness.  

Reduce the risk of contracting hantavirus by following these guidelines:

• 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. Be sure to use gloves.
• Do not 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 HPS webpage or call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) or text NMDOH (66364).

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Se confirma un caso de hantavirus en un residente del condado de Santa Fe