Transmission of Virus

                Transmission of the virus from rodent to humans has been found to be possible through aerosols. However humans cannot transfer the disease once they have been infected (dead end hosts) The only possible way to contract HPS is to breathe in or come into contact with the secretions or droppings of the rodent reservoir. An investigation into the original occurrence of HPS in the four corners region led to the deer mouse(Peromyscus maniculatus) as the primary reservoir. However cases of HPS have been found in regions where there is no native reservoir of deer mice. The cotton rat, rice rat and white footed mouse were found to carry the other strains of hantavirus that cause HPS in humans. In the southwestern part of the U.S. where the rodent reservoir population is prominent, the highest concentration of infected rodents is in relatively low altitudes. Humans who live in low altitude areas of the southwestern part of the U.S. are most likely to be exposed to the virus.