Here in New Mexico, the deer mouse is the main carrier for Sin Nombre virus, the hantavirus strain, as it can be transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings or saliva that contain the microscopic virus.

Is hantavirus present in New Mexico?

There have been no reported cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in New Mexico in 2021. There was one reported case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in New Mexico in 2020. There were three reported Human Cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in New Mexico in 2019.

What kind of mice live in New Mexico?

The house mouse (fig. 1), roof rat (fig. 2), and Norway rat (fig. 3) are the common commensal rodents found throughout New Mexico.

Do deer mice burrow?

Deer mice create nests in burrows or in other sheltered areas within rocky or wooded areas and burrowing behavior varies between species (Hu and Hoekstra 2017).

What is the incubation period for hantavirus?

The incubation period of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) ranges from 1-4 weeks. HPS has been divided into 3 clinical phases: (1) the prodromal phase, (2) the cardiopulmonary phase, and (3) the convalescent phase. Prodromal symptoms resemble those of many viral illnesses, including fever, headache, and myalgias.

Are there mice in Albuquerque?

House Mice in Santa Fe and Albuquerque NM House mice thrive throughout the year and can be found in homes, commercial buildings, open fields, and agricultural lands. They contaminate food meant for humans and pets as they forage, dropping feces and urine along the way.

What are the odds of contracting hantavirus?

Cohen: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is rare — the chance of getting the disease is 1 in 13,000,000, which is less likely than being struck by lightning.

Are deer mice harmful?

Deer mice may appear harmless, but they are known carriers of dangerous diseases that may spread through mouse parasites or contaminated food.

Do mice and rats live in New Mexico?

Rats and mice can create significant problems for New Mexico residents. They live in and around homes, farms and commercial establishments, and on agricultural lands. The house mouse (fig. 1), roof rat (fig. 2), and Norway rat (fig. 3) are the common commensal rodents found throughout New Mexico.

Where do deer mice live in North America?

Deer Mouse Habitat in North America. The deer mouse is found throughout North America, preferring woodlands, but also appearing in desert areas. The Rice Rat (Oryzomys palustris) is slightly smaller than the cotton rat, with a 5 – 6 inch (7.5cm – 15cm) head and a very long 4 – 7 inch (10cm – 18cm) tail.

What are the characteristics of a deer mouse?

Young deer mice are gray with white underbellies. The deer mouse ranges from 6 to 8 inches in total length, including the tail, which is about one-half of its total length. The ears are large, rounded and mostly hairless. The eyes are large and bulging.

What are the common commensal rodents in New Mexico?

The house mouse (fig. 1), roof rat (fig. 2), and Norway rat (fig. 3) are the common commensal rodents found throughout New Mexico. The term “commensal” means “living with or in close association to humans.”