Derek lives in a forest area. His backyard has many deer mice that carry hantavirus. The soil is contaminated with the urine and
feces of the deer mice. While gardening, Derek upturns the soil, which releases fine particles of contaminated soil that he inhales. One week later, Derek develops flu-like symptoms. Which mode
of disease transmission most likely spread the infection from the deer mice to Derek?
A. food contaminated with soil
B. direct contact with contaminated soil
C. aerosol of the contaminated soil
D. a tick that bit a deer mouse
