  We study the spread of Hantavirus over a host population of deer mice using a
population dynamics model. We show that taking into account the internal
fluctuations in the mouse population due to its discrete character strongly
alters the behaviour of the system. In addition to the familiar transition
present in the deterministic model, the inclusion of internal fluctuations
leads to the emergence of an additional deterministically hidden transition. We
determine parameter values that lead to maximal propagation of the disease, and
discuss some implications for disease prevention policies.
