Story perspectives

30% Rodents Carry Hantavirus, 10% Actively Infected in WA-ID

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study found Sin Nombre hantavirus in about 30% of rodents and actively infecting roughly 10% in Washington and Idaho.
Washington State University researchers sampled 189 rodents in Whitman, Latah and Benewah counties and published the full-genome Northwest strains in CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, showing high genetic diversity.
Officials advise ventilating areas and using wet cleaning because the deer-mouse-borne virus can become airborne from droppings, with human cases rare.

1 of 1

Story summary

A study found Sin Nombre hantavirus in about 30% of rodents and actively infecting roughly 10% in Washington and Idaho.
Washington State University researchers sampled 189 rodents in Whitman, Latah and Benewah counties and published the full-genome Northwest strains in CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, showing high genetic diversity.
Officials advise ventilating areas and using wet cleaning because the deer-mouse-borne virus can become airborne from droppings, with human cases rare.