An adult has died from hantavirus in Colorado, state health officials confirmed. The death represents a case of the rare but serious viral infection that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a severe respiratory disease caused by hantavirus infection. The virus is typically spread when people breathe in airborne particles from the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents, particularly deer mice.

The disease has a high fatality rate, with symptoms beginning like the flu but potentially progressing rapidly to severe breathing difficulties. Early symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, while later stages can involve coughing and shortness of breath.

Colorado health officials did not immediately release additional details about the circumstances of the death or the identity of the victim. The state typically sees a small number of hantavirus cases annually, with most infections occurring in rural areas where contact with rodent populations is more likely.