According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico strain of hantavirus, known as Sin Nombre virus, is not the same as the strain associated with the cruise ship outbreak. Therefore, it does not have the potential for person-to-person transmission. The risks associated with the New Mexico hantavirus Sin Nombre virus are specific to the region and differ from those of other outbreaks.
The announcement of this information is significant for New Mexico due to the Andes virus. Also, the recent outbreaks in the Andes region have created some anxiety in New Mexico.
The Andes virus, found in the Andes Mountains, remains the only hantavirus known to spread person‑to‑person.
In addition, both Mexico and the United States have the Sin Nombre virus. In New Mexico, the Sin Nombre virus spreads only through direct contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
Officials stated that to prevent exposure to Hantavirus, New Mexican residents should use prevention methods such as ventilating closed buildings. In addition, they should disinfect feces from rodent nests and seal homes. This helps reduce the likelihood of inhaling particles suspended in the air that contain the hantavirus.
The headline shows that there is no risk of New Mexicans coming into contact with each other through hantavirus. This is in contrast to when it passed (cruise ship outbreak).
In summary, health officials emphasized that New Mexicans should focus on rodent control and safe cleanup practices. Instead of worrying about the infectious agent spreading from one person to another, they should follow these steps.
The New Mexico Department of Health has provided both printed materials and a hotline available to all communities to help reduce their risk of contracting hantavirus.