However, these results are not necessarily a failure of prediction. In fact, they may illustrate that an early warning system serves to reduce exposure of persons to the deer mice habitat. For example, USA Today highlighted HPS risks with a June 8, 2006, article titled "Officials warn of increased threat of hantavirus" (www.usatoday.com/news/ health/2006-06-08-hantavirus-x.htm). The role of the popular press is hard to quantify but undoubtedly does have an effect on human behavior patterns. Many health departments in the western states produce health advisories warning the public about the risks of exposure to the virus through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine, feces, or saliva. The popular press may serve an important role in increasing awareness of a heightened health risk, which, in turn, promotes greater compliance with health advisories.