Hantavirus outbreak: Who is most at risk of catching the deadly virus?

"Deadly but Rare: The Hidden Threat of Hantavirus in the US. As the summer months approach, outdoor enthusiasts and public health officials are sounding the alarm about a rare but potentially deadly virus that can lurk in the shadows of the American wilderness. Hantavirus respiratory infections, although still a relatively rare occurrence in the US, have a disturbingly high mortality rate, claiming the lives of nearly 40% of those infected. The virus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, their droppings, or saliva, often in areas where humans and wildlife intersect, such as rural homes, campsites, and hiking trails. As the warmer weather brings more people into these areas, experts are warning of the need for increased awareness and precautions to prevent the spread of this silent killer."

While hantavirus respiratory infections may still be rare in the U.S., they can be incredibly deadly.