We present a model of the infection of Hantavirus in deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, based on biological observations of the system in the North American Southwest. The results of the analysis shed light on relevant observations of the biological system, such as the sporadical disappearance of the infection, and the existence of foci or “refugia” that perform as reservoirs of the virus when environmental conditions are less than optimal.

• Received 31 January 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.66.011912