fbi 200x120

The FBI is investigating a suspicious package found at Omaha's Ameritrade Corporation for fear it may contain a potentially deadly virus.

Bellevue police told KETV in Omaha that the package contained mouse droppings, and therefore posed a threat of the hantavirus infection.

People contract the disease when they breathe dust contaminated by an infected rodent's urine, feces or saliva. Scientists first identified hantavirus in the southwestern United States in the early 1990's.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta say 353 cases of the syndrome have been confirmed with 132 deaths nationwide.

Part of the building was evacuated for a short time after the package was discovered Wednesday. A hazardous materials team also was called.

The package and its contents are being tested.