San Diego City Wire

A deer mouse found on January 3, 2025, in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has tested positive for hantavirus. This is the first local detection of the virus in San Diego County this year. Although hantavirus presence in wild rodents is not unusual—25 cases were recorded in 2024—direct human contact with infected animals remains rare as these rodents tend to avoid humans.

Hantavirus exposure can be serious due to the absence of a cure or vaccine. Symptoms typically appear one to eight weeks after exposure. If individuals suspect they have been exposed, they are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

Humans can encounter hantavirus when wild rodents enter living areas and leave behind urine, feces, or saliva that contains the virus. Once dried, these substances can become airborne and inhaled. To prevent infection, people should use "wet cleaning" methods involving bleach or disinfectants and avoid sweeping or vacuuming which could spread the virus into the air.

For more details on hantavirus precautions, residents can reach out to the County Department of Environmental Health and Quality at (858) 694-2888 or visit their website.