Alamosa – A 28-year-old Alamosa County woman has died from hantavirus, the first case of the disease in Colorado this year, health officials said.
The woman, whose name and hometown were not released, died Friday.
The source of the infection had not been determined today, said John Pape, an epidemiologist with the state Department of Public Health and Environment.
Pape said a preliminary investigation indicated that she contracted the virus in her home.
Hantavirus is commonly spread through exposure to infected rodents, particularly deer mice. Humans can be infected by inhaling the virus during direct contact with 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.
New Mexico reported its first hantavirus case of the year last month.
