Which animal is mainly known to carry the hantavirus?

The hantavirus is primarily associated with certain species of rodents, and the most recognized carrier of hantavirus in North America is the deer mouse. This small rodent, known for its adaptability, has been linked to several outbreaks of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). When deer mice excrete their urine, droppings, or saliva, they can contaminate their environment, and humans can become infected through inhalation of aerosolized virus particles.

Other rodents may carry different strains of hantavirus in other parts of the world, but the deer mouse is the primary vector in the United States. Recognizing the role animals play in transmitting hantavirus is crucial for understanding its epidemiology and mitigating the risk of infection, particularly in areas where these rodents are prevalent.