Sneakylong (Hantaviruses are found throughout New Mexico and primarily in deer mice. Human infections are rare but serious. There have been 136 such cases in the past 50 years in the state, and 42% of those cases were fatal, said Erin Phipps, New Mexico State Veterinarian).
Having nothing else to do, I did read a little about this disease. It states it cannot be passed human-human. Nowhere did I find if it could/could not be passed animal to human, but how else would we get it?
They had 3 dogs. If the dogs were allowed outside alone, then it's possible they may have been in contact with the infected 'areas', or even had eaten some of the rodents. Then when back in the house, we all know how dogs lick faces, and owners love it/allow it also....with kissing of the dog(s).
So...?????
It was also stated that after onset of symptoms, they can advance quickly. There is no known treatment or cure.
Internet info, so take it for it's worth. 😄
