what causes hantavirus
Most cases of HPS in the U.S. are caused by one type of hantavirus found in the deer mouse. People can become infected by: 1  Breathing in tiny airborne particles that come from rodent urine. 2  Touching rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.antavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a lung infection caused by viruses found in the saliva, urine, and droppings of some rodents. The illness is rare but can be deadly.