Tag: Hantavirus outbreak Andes virus person‑to‑person transmission Sin Nombre virus New Mexico Rodent exposure health risks Public health clarification Cruise ship hantavirus deaths

New Mexico's health officials have emphasized that the state's Hantavirus (Sin Nombre Virus) is not transmitted from person to person, which differs from the Andes virus that was responsible for an outbreak aboard a cruise ship. There have been many reports around the world about the Andes virus being transmitted by other people, and this caused people to worry about being able to contract the Andres virus from residents of New Mexico. The Andes virus is the only hantavirus known to be transmitted by another person in South America. The Sin Nombre Virus can only be contracted by contact with infected rodents, or their excrement. There are several ways to help to prevent hantavirus exposure, including disinfecting rodent nests and debris, ensuring that all points of entry into the home are sealed and practicing safe cleanup methods.