Yes "hantavirus" carried by mice, the way it workes is that they mark the trails by urinating drops and that dry out and the urin actually becomes a type of dust, more prevalent in closed structures, when swept it becomes airborn and is inhaled.
Sorry about the spelling, there are also a lot of dust particles that can be airborne, specially in winter's dry weather and in spring and summer pollen, some desert flowers open at night only and are polinated by bats.
If you do not live in the dessert but are visiting and the simptoms persist, do go and check with a doctor, some times an antihistamine will help other times a move is needed.
Parts of California, Arizona and New mexico are within to desserts, the Mojave to the North and the Zonoran to the South each with its own distinct plants and flowerin cactus, steay away from the "jumping choyas" they are nasty.
navegator