Super El Niño Could Mean More US Hantavirus Cases This Summer
Summary
A very strong El Niño weather pattern may develop this year and change weather in the U.S. Southwest. Experts warn this could increase the number of deer mice, which carry hantavirus, raising the risk of more cases of this rare but dangerous disease during summer.Key Facts
- El Niño is when Pacific Ocean water gets warmer than usual, affecting global weather.
- A "super El Niño" means the ocean warms much more than normal, causing stronger weather changes.
- NOAA predicts an 82% chance El Niño will start between May and July 2024.
- El Niño usually means more rain in the U.S. Southwest and weaker Atlantic hurricane seasons.
- More rain and warmth help plants grow, which gives rodents like deer mice more food and shelter.
- Deer mice carry the Sin Nombre hantavirus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
- Hantavirus is rare but can be deadly, with past outbreaks in the U.S. Southwest.
- Increased rodent populations during super El Niño could lead to more hantavirus cases this summer.
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