Hantavirus Cases Have Experts Worried

As many as 19 people may have been infected this year with hantavirus, a rare disease spread by mice, and officials are worried more cases may follow.

Nine confirmed infections, four fatal, occurred in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, South Dakota and Washington by the end of March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday. Ten suspected cases have been reported since April.

Last year, there were 34 cases, 10 ending in death. Hantavirus, which causes fever, deep muscle aches and shortness of breath, kills 30% to 40% of those infected. The disease is mostly found in rodent-infested areas, and the increase may be tied to excess rain this year that has helped the animals thrive, officials said.