On January 3, a deer mouse trapped in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park tested positive for hantavirus, a potentially fatal virus. While not signaling an outbreak, the discovery is noteworthy for San Diegans, particularly those who enjoy the county's outdoor spaces.

According to the County of San Diego, stumbling upon hantavirus in local wildlife isn't unheard of. Last year, 25 cases were detected in San Diego County alone. Infected animals, usually wild rodents, tend to shy away from human contact, thus limiting direct transmission risks. However, the disease can pose a threat indirectly when humans breathe air contaminated by rodent excretions.

Human cases of hantavirus are relatively rare because of the naturally avoidant behavior of infected rodents. However, the symptoms are not something to take lightly, with severe muscle aches, fever, headaches, nausea, and potentially life-threatening breathing difficulties often manifesting between one to eight weeks after exposure. Heed the advice of health officials and seek immediate medical care if you suspect contact with the virus.

Preventing infection involves keeping our living spaces rodent-free and implementing proper cleaning techniques when encountering wild rodents or their droppings. The County Department of Environmental Health and Quality insists on "wet cleaning" methods, emphasizing using bleach or disinfectants and rubber gloves to curb the risk of airborne transmission. Sweeping or vacuuming could stir up trouble, inadvertently aerosolizing the virus you don't want, per the County of San Diego.