A rare and deadly hantavirus transmitted by rodents has claimed the lives of three residents in Mammoth Lakes, California, health officials confirmed Thursday. The hantavirus-related deaths occurred between February and early April, marking an unusual spike in cases that has alarmed public health experts.
The latest victim, identified only as a young adult, is the third fatality linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the area this year. Mono County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Boo described the situation as “tragic and alarming,” noting that hantavirus cases are typically reported later in the spring or summer.
Hantavirus is primarily spread through contact with infected deer mice via their droppings, urine, or saliva. The most common route of infection is inhaling airborne particles contaminated with the virus. While rare, the disease is often fatal; approximately one-third of those infected succumb to complications.
Investigators found no evidence of mouse activity in the latest victim’s home but noted some presence of mice at their workplace—an occurrence not uncommon for this time of year in Mammoth Lakes. “We don’t have a clear sense of where this young adult may have contracted the virus,” Dr. Boo said. None of the three victims reportedly engaged in high-risk activities such as cleaning poorly ventilated areas with visible rodent waste.
The hantavirus outbreak has drawn national attention following its role in the February death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, at their New Mexico home. Hackman passed away days later from unrelated causes.
Health officials attribute the increased risk to a boom in the local deer mouse population, possibly linked to environmental factors. Since 1993, Mono County has recorded 27 hantavirus cases—the highest number in California.
Hantavirus symptoms typically begin 1 to 8 weeks after exposure and progress through two stages. Early symptoms resemble the flu, including fever, fatigue, muscle aches (especially in large muscle groups), headache, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the disease progresses to coughing, shortness of breath, fluid buildup in the lungs, and respiratory distress, which can be life-threatening. Public health officials urge residents to take precautions, including sealing gaps in homes, storing food securely, avoiding vacuuming rodent droppings, and using disinfectants when cleaning potentially contaminated areas.
“We’ve now gone about a month without additional suspect cases but remain concerned about heightened activity,” Dr. Boo added. He emphasized vigilance and preventive measures to reduce exposure risks.
Mammoth Lakes, located in California’s Eastern Sierra, is a premier destination for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. Home to Mammoth Mountain, the resort offers over 3,500 acres of terrain, 400 inches of annual snowfall, and a summit elevation of 11,053 feet. With a ski season often lasting into June and stunning alpine scenery, Mammoth Lakes also provides access to Mono County’s rugged backcountry for skiing and year-round adventure.
