Deadly virus threatens 1700 Yosemite park campers

The Yosemite National Park in California has warned 1700 visitors who stayed in the park’s cabins from June to August  2012 of possible exposure to a deadly virus. Two related deaths have been reported, both victims are said to have died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The disease is transmitted through urine, saliva and droppings of mice and other rodents. Symptoms arise one to 6 weeks from expose.  There is currently no specific treatment for the disease which has a fatality rate of 30%. Park authorities are already working on cleaning and inspecting all 408 cabins. Park Spokesman Scott Gediman assures that efforts are being undertaken to keep the situation under control, “Specialists have come in from across the country. We’re monitoring the area and doing everything we can to make it safe.”

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