In Hackman and Betsy’s case, rodent feces were found in three garages, two casitas, and three sheds on their property. A live rodent, a dead rodent, and a rodent nest were found in the three detached garages.

Two vehicles on the property were also found with signs of rodents — nests, droppings, and sightings of the pests. Investigators even discovered live traps set up in the outbuildings, suggesting the infestation had been ongoing.

The New Mexico Department of Health did a risk assessment on March 5 to make sure first responders and family members who’d been on the property were safe. Luckily, they found the primary residence to be low-risk, with no signs of rodent activity inside.

Since Betsy’s death, the rare hantavirus has sparked fear, with three more victims recently succumbing to the disease in the northern California town of Mammoth Lakes.