Up to 10,000 people are at risk of contracting a deadly virus after staying in California’s Yosemite National Park.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has already been blamed for the deaths of two campers who stayed in some of the park’s tent cabins. Four other cases of Hantavirus, a rare lung disease, have been reported. There is no specific treatment for the hantavirus, which has a fatality rate of 30%. The disease can be carried in the urine, saliva and faeces of infected deer mice, and symptoms can appear as late as six weeks after exposure.
The National Park Service, which runs Yosemite, has warned anyone who stayed in the 408 canvas and wood cabins in Curry Village from mid-June onward to watch out for symptoms, which include fever, aches, dizziness and chills.
“We are encouraging anyone who stayed in Curry Village since June to be aware of the symptoms of hantavirus and seek medical attention at the first sign of illness,” a statement said.
The outbreak is thought to have been caused by mice nesting in the insulation of the tent cabins. Officials said they were working with contractors to clean and inspect the cabins.
“This is a serious public health issue and we want to be transparent,” said park spokesman Scott Gediman. “But at the same time we don’t want people to alter their plans because we are taking the necessary precautions.”
The final guests have been moved from the cabins and all tents have been cleaned and retro-fitted to repair gaps in the walls that might allow virus-carrying deer mice to get inside. Officials are still waiting to see if the efforts are successful at keeping the mice out. If not, the cabins could be moved or closed permanently.
Not surprisingly, thousands of concerned former Yosemite visitors have contacted officials since the announcement. The calls have been coming in from all over the world. Nearly four million people visit Yosemite National Park annually and about 70% of them visit Yosemite Valley, where Curry Village is located. Click here to comment on this story.
