Re: CA: 2nd Yosemite visitor dies from hantavirus- alert for Curry Village post-mid June visitors- 2 more cases- total 6
Re: CA: 2nd Yosemite visitor dies from hantavirus- alert for Curry Village post-mid June visitors- 2 more cases- total 6
The CDC issued a Health Advisory on this today.
CDC:
"...Summary: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with the National Park Service and the California Department of Public Health on an investigation of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in people who stayed at Yosemite National Park during June through August 2012. The purpose of this HAN Advisory is to inform state health departments and health care providers to be alert to the possibility of HPS in patients who may have had recent exposure to rodents or a history of travel to Yosemite National Park during this period.
...Since June 10, 2012, six confirmed cases of HPS have been associated with staying at Yosemite National Park in California.
Two of the ill persons died. Additional suspected cases are being investigated from multiple health jurisdictions. Four case-patients with HPS stayed in ?Signature Tent Cabins? in the Boystown area of Curry Village, and the lodging locations of the remaining 2 case-patients are currently under investigation. The ?Signature Tent Cabins? have solid walls on the interior of the cabin and are covered with canvas exterior sides and roof.
An estimated 10,000 persons stayed in the ?Signature Tent Cabins? from June 10 through August 24, 2012. On August 24, 2012, the tents were disinfected and visitors were relocated. People who stayed in the tents between June 10 and August 24 may be at risk of developing HPS in
the next 6 weeks. Providers are reminded to consider the diagnosis of HPS in all persons presenting with clinically compatible illnesses and to ask about potential rodent exposure or if they had recently visited Yosemite National Park.
All guests who made reservations to stay in the ?Signature Tent Cabins? from June 10 through August 24, 2012 (approximately 2,900 persons) were emailed or mailed a health advisory urging them to seek immediate medical attention if they or other persons in their party exhibit symptoms of HPS."
AP via USA Today is reporting that the park instituted a new hantavirus policy in April, after the CA State Health Dept. issued warning about the potential for an outbreak in 2010. The article also mentions that the 'tent cabins' in question were all installed in 2009 as replacements for older versions. So it seems there is something specific in this newer, double-walled design that is creating an increase in rodent exposure.
(NOTE to a Mod: There are 2 threads about this outbreak, both in the Emerging Disease subforum, and I was unsure which to use to post this. Please feel free to move it elsewhere if needed.
)
