GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Health officials are alerting people about the dangers of Hantavirus, a rare but life-threatening infection.

The virus is transmitted when humans inhale particles from deer mice’s urine, droppings, or saliva; making spring cleaning a risky time if there is evidence of mice. Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California are hotspots for infected deer mice. Although not all deer mice carry the virus, taking precautions is crucial.

Hantavirus symptoms can appear 1 to 5 weeks after exposure and the virus has a fatality rate of 36 percent. There is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine, but early medical intervention can improve recovery chances.

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