A case of Hantavirus was confirmed at Grand Canyon National Park by a Coconino County health official. The virus, spread mostly by deer mice, rat urine, droppings, and saliva, is rare but potentially fatal with no specific cure or treatment.
Hantavirus doesn't spread between humans but can be life-threatening. Symptoms typically appear one to eight weeks after contact with an infected rodent. Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died earlier this year of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Throughout the past 50 years, New Mexico has seen 136 cases of Hantavirus, with a 42% fatality rate. Taking protective measures and seeking early medical care can lower the risk of the virus.
Deer mice populations are believed to be higher than usual this year. Apart from the Hantavirus case, exposure to rabies was confirmed at the national park through a bat carrier. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment helped the individual recover after exposure.