Hantaviruses are a deadly family of viruses spread primarily by infected wild rodents, such as deer mice, rats, and voles. Infected rodents are carriers only; they do not get sick or show symptoms. Hantavirus infections in humans are rare in the United States. Since surveillance began in 1993, there have been a total of 890 reported cases nationwide. On average, the country records fewer than 30 to 40 cases annually, primarily isolated cases in western and southwestern states. How Humans Contract Hantavirus Infected rodents shed the virus in their urine, droppings and saliva, which settles onto the ground or other surfaces that come into contact with the rodents. Humans can…