Hantavirus infections are typically contracted by inhaling infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva.
In rare cases, it can spread between people, leading to severe respiratory illness.
Symptoms can at first be easily be confused with a flu. They include a fever exceeding 101F (38.3C), chills, muscle aches, severe headaches, nausea, stomach complaints, and a notably dry cough.
But breathing difficulties can rapidly develop with infected individuals at risk of suffering severe, life-threatening respiratory failure.
