In Navajo medical traditions, mice are considered to be the bearers of an ancient illness that even predates the bubonic plague in the Navajo region. Healers say that when mice enter the home, they put people at risk of infection, as people come into contact with mice droppings and urine. The illness enters through the mouth, the nose or the eyes, and it usually attacks the strongest and healthiest of the Navajo people. Therefore, traditional medicine prescribes avoiding mice, keeping them out of the hogans, and isolating food supplies.

Some of the Navajo elders had predicted the 1993 HPS outbreak. In addition, their oral tradition says that in 1918 and 1933-34, there were similar outbreaks, after increases in rainfall produced increases in the piñon crop and the number of mice.

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This page last reviewed Monday, June 14, 2004

Special Pathogens Branch
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