Hantavirus is predominantly associated with which animal?

The correct choice is the deer mouse, which is the primary host for hantavirus in North America. The virus is carried in the urine, droppings, and saliva of the deer mouse, and it can be transmitted to humans primarily through inhalation of aerosolized particles that contain the virus. This association is particularly relevant in understanding the ecology and epidemiology of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can occur when individuals come into contact with the habitats or droppings of these rodents.

While other rodents, such as house mice and wild rats, can carry various diseases, they are not the primary reservoir for hantavirus. Chipmunks, on the other hand, are not typically known to be associated with hantavirus either. Recognizing the specific role of the deer mouse in the spread of this virus is essential for effective prevention and control strategies related to hantavirus exposure, especially in rural and wooded areas where these animals are prevalent.