State health officials say a 20-year-old woman from Torrance County in central New Mexico has died of hantavirus.
The Health Department said Thursday it marks the state's sixth case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome this year. Four of the cases have been fatal.
The patient's name wasn't released.
Hantavirus is a deadly disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings or saliva. People can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus.
Health officials say the deer mouse is the main carrier for the strain found in New Mexico.
Public health veterinarian Paul Ettestad says deer mice can be found throughout the state so people everywhere should be taking precautions.
Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, possibly with chills, headache, nausea and abdominal pain. Symptoms can develop up to six weeks after exposure.
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