CDC: As Many as 10,000 Yosemite Visitors At Risk of Hantavirus

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Credit Joe Moore / Valley Public Radio

The hantavirus outbreak in Yosemite National Park that has sickened six and killed two could grow much larger, according to the Centers For Disease Control. On Friday the CDC  issued a health advisory, warning that as many as 10,000 people who stayed at tent cabins in Yosemite National Park between June 10 and August 24th may be at risk for the disease. 

Those who stayed at the "Signature Tent Cabins" at Curry Village during that time are being urged to seek medical attention if they display any symptoms of hantavirus, which include fever, headache, and muscle ache.

Hantavirus is a rare disease which is contracted through contact with the feces or urine of infected deer mice. It can take as long as six weeks in some cases for symptoms to appear. 

According to the CDC, Yosemite officials have contacted 2,900 individuals who made reservations at the cabins during that time, to alert them of the possible exposure. On August 24th, the Curry Village tents were disinfected and guests were removed from the area. 

Since 1993 there have been 63 cases of the disease in California residents, resulting in 21 deaths.

The Park Service has established a hotline for individuals with concerns and questions about the disease. The number is (209) 372-0822.