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First Hantavirus case of 2024 reported
The Scientific Laboratory Division of the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the first case of hantavirus this year. A man who resides in San Juan County was hospitalized, released, and is at home recovering, according to DOH. According to the Mayo Clinic, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare infectious disease that begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses rapidly. In 2023, New Mexico had seven reported cases of HPS all from residents of McKinley, San Juan, and Taos counties. The virus is typically found in mouse droppings and urine. According to a DOH news release, “Individuals are typically exposed to the virus around their homes, especially when cleaning out enclosed areas with mouse droppings.” Symptoms start to develop within six weeks and may look and feel like flu symptoms. For more information about this virus visit the Department of Health’s HPS webpage.
Art Exhibition Examines Influence of Artworks by Incarcerated Artists
Paño Connections – Corazón Knows No Bounds, is a new guest-curated art exhibition that has made a temporary home at The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC). The exhibition has been curated by local New Mexican artist, Eric “Christo” Martinez, who learned how to paint during his time in prison. The exhibition will dive into artworks that are inspired by panos (drawings on fabric) and more artworks created by artists who are incarcerated. This will be the second iteration of this exhibit. The exhibit opened on Feb. 23 but will stay in the NHCC Community Gallery until Aug. 18.
Approval of $3 Million for Gateway Housing Navigation
The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners recently approved $3 million to fund an expansion of the Housing Navigation Center at Gateway. Gateway is owned by the City of Albuquerque and looks to provide a secure and safe shelter for those experiencing homelessness. “Overnight beds and case management to individually support clients toward housing or other necessary supportive services. Three meals are provided daily and all guests are assigned a case manager, housing case manager, and peer support worker,” according to the City of Albuquerque’s website. The funding for the expansion will be used for multiple steps of the project including demolishing, constructing, and reconstructing an existing 17,000 square foot suite located on the second floor adjacent to the existing Gateway Housing Navigation Center. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2024 and is expected to impact over 200 individuals annually.
Goodbye to Tonka the Sumatran Orangutan
Tonka, a male Sumatran Orangutan housed at the ABQ Biopark, was euthanized on Feb. 14 due to advanced kidney disease, according to a city news release. At 44, he was the second oldest male Sumatran Orangutan in the United States. The announcement from the city said Tonka was diagnosed with kidney disease more than six years ago.