Which mouse is the carrier for the Hantavirus?

Which mouse is the carrier for the Hantavirus?

• A. House mouse
• B. Field mouse
• C. Pine mouse
• D. Deer mouse

Answer: (D)

Hantaviruses have natural rodent reservoirs, and in North America the primary carrier is the deer mouse. Infected deer mice shed the virus in urine, droppings, and saliva, and those viral particles can become airborne in dust. People can contract the virus by inhaling this contaminated dust, especially in areas with rodent activity like cabins or barns. Among the options, the deer mouse is the species most consistently associated with hantavirus transmission in this context, which is why it is the correct choice. The other mice listed are not the primary hantavirus reservoirs in this region, so they’re not the best answer.

Hantaviruses have natural rodent reservoirs, and in North America the primary carrier is the deer mouse. Infected deer mice shed the virus in urine, droppings, and saliva, and those viral particles can become airborne in dust. People can contract the virus by inhaling this contaminated dust, especially in areas with rodent activity like cabins or barns. Among the options, the deer mouse is the species most consistently associated with hantavirus transmission in this context, which is why it is the correct choice. The other mice listed are not the primary hantavirus reservoirs in this region, so they’re not the best answer.