San Diego City Wire

Two mice collected from a campground trail at San Onofre State Beach, as part of ongoing surveillance to protect public health, have tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus. The County Vector Control team is working with campground officials to notify visitors and staff.

Finding hantavirus in wild rodents is not uncommon in San Diego County; these are the 19th and 20th findings in mice in 2024. However, people rarely come into direct contact with infected animals because wild rodents naturally avoid humans.

While exposure to hantavirus is rare, caution around wild rodents is advised as there is no cure or vaccine for the virus. Symptoms usually develop between one to eight weeks after exposure and include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. If exposure is suspected, seeking medical attention immediately is recommended.

People can be exposed to hantavirus when wild rodents invade their living areas. Infected rodents shed the virus in their urine, feces, and saliva. Once dried, this matter can be stirred into the air where it may be inhaled.

If wild rodents or signs of them are found in living spaces, "wet cleaning" methods should always be used—employing bleach or other disinfectants, rubber gloves, and bags. Sweeping or vacuuming should be avoided as it could stir hantavirus into the air where it might be inhaled.

For more information, contact the County Environmental Health and Quality at (858) 694-2888 or visit the hantavirus web page.