Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — In light of the recent Hantavirus death of Betsy Harakawa New Mexicans have been warned to be on the lookout for deer mice which harbor the microbe and can spread it through their droppings. However, University of New Mexico researchers have found that more than 30 species of rodent and other small mammals endemic to the Southwest carry the virus as well. Animals include ground squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, rats, and even house mice. Early symptoms mimic the flu or COVID, but after a few days, it’s not uncommon to develop severe shortness of breath and extreme exhaustion. Sicker patients are often placed on oxygenation machines that take over from the heart and lungs to give the body time to fight off the infection.
