Hantavirus Found in Mice in 3 Communities

Seven deer mice found in Loma Linda, Yucaipa and Mentone were confirmed to carry the potentially fatal hantavirus, state officials said Thursday.

The last reported case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the disease in its human form, occurred in the area about two years ago in a Highland resident, who survived the infection.

The disease was recognized only 12 years ago, but there have been 43 human cases -- with 25% fatalities -- in California and more than 380 cases nationwide. About 8% of the rodents tested in the San Bernardino area were found to be carriers.