ALAMOSA, Colo.-
A 28-year-old Alamosa County woman has died from hantavirus, the first case of the disease in the state this year, health officials said.
The source of the infection had not been determined by Tuesday, said John Pape, an epidemiologist with the state Department of Public Health and Environment.
The woman, whose name and hometown were not released, died Friday.
Pape said a preliminary investigation indicated she contracted the virus in her home, which he said is not unusual.
Hantavirus is commonly spread through exposure to infected deer mice. Humans can be infected by inhaling the virus during direct contact with the mice or if dust or feces from mice nests is disturbed.
Colorado typically has four to six hantavirus cases a year. Last year, the state had six cases, including one death; in 2005, there were 11 cases including one death, Pape said.
