An infectious disease expert from Hartford Healthcare has warned that New Yorkers can get hantavirus from rats, but only if they consume them. The disease affects individuals who ingest rodent waste or inhale particles in small enclosed spaces such as attics or closets. The deadly virus has likely been around New York City for decades and gone under-diagnosed, according to Dr. Ulysses Wu. Urban living people are less likely to contract the virus as its largely spread by deer mice, which are typically country-living creatures. The expert warned against "aerosol" rodent feces when cleaning.