[TheThirdRuffian]

We deal with this a fair amount in NM.

They think wiped out certain Indian tribes.

In fact, it may be the mysterious unknown plague that wiped out much of North America shortly before Europeans arrived.

[catnipman]

colorado is second only to NM in cumulative reported hantavirus infections ... that’s one of the illnesses that scares the heck out of me and my barn is full of mouse droppings ...

[CedarDave]

Hantaviruses are spread by rodents' body fluids and excrement. People mostly contract hantavirus by breathing in the virus. Most hantaviruses found in North, Central, and South America can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Andes virus, which is found in South America, has reportedly had person-to-person transmission.

Different hantaviruses are found in the United States. Most of these cause HPS, which primarily affects the lungs. Non-HPS hantavirus infection can also occur, where patients experience non-specific viral symptoms, but no cardiopulmonary symptoms. The hantaviruses that are found throughout the United States are not known to spread between people.

HPS initially causes flu-like symptoms that can progress to more severe illness where people have trouble breathing. It's important for people with HPS to begin treatment as early as possible to improve their chances of recovery. HPS is fatal in nearly 4 in 10 people who are infected.
https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hcp/clinical-overview/hps.html

The article identifies it as the Andes virus, which reportedly can spread person to person.

See this link for an earlier discussion:
MV Hondius cruise ship at center of suspected deadly hantavirus outbreak refused permission to dock

[Bigg Red]

Oh, no, that cannot be; it is completely the fault of the evil Europeans. /s