Authorities in Mountainair, New Mexico, are investigating a deadly incident involving an unidentified substance that left three people dead and 19 others hospitalized, including several first responders.
Law enforcement and emergency crews responded to a residence after reports of possible overdoses and discovered that three of the four occupants had died.
18 of the 19 people hospitalized were emergency personnel who came into contact with the unknown substance while responding to the scene.
Medical officials said many of the affected individuals who showed no symptoms had been released, while three patients with symptoms remained under observation.
Investigators believe the substance may spread through physical contact rather than through the air and are working to determine the exact nature of the substance involved.
The New Mexico State Police is leading the active investigation, and officials have ruled out carbon monoxide and natural gas exposure as possible causes.
