Yosemite Expands Scope of Hantavirus Warning: More than 20,000 At Risk

redletterdave writes "In response to a recent outbreak of a deadly pulmonary disease commonly carried by mice and other rodents, Yosemite National Park has doubled the scope of those likely infected by hantavirus. Given the rising number of confirmed cases (currently eight) and deaths (three), U.S. officials have effectively sounded a worldwide alert for more than 22,000 local and international visitors that may have been exposed to the deadly virus. Health officials initially believed as many as 10,000 people were at risk to contracting the hantavirus after staying in Yosemite's popular Curry Village lodging area between the months of June and August.; unfortunately, that 10,000 'at risk' estimate was low. Officials expanded the warning this week to an additional 12,000 visitors to Yosemite's High Sierra camps, now that the eighth case of hantavirus was confirmed in a man who stayed in those camp areas. Furthermore, more than 2,500 of those individuals currently live outside the United States."

Comments

I hear Central Park is no picnic, either.

[Impy the Impiuos Imp]

Great. First the supervolcano under Yellowstone, now deadly virus from Yosemite.

You nature lovers and conservationists feel good about yourselves for preserving it? Huh?

Re:I hear Central Park is no picnic, either.

[TheLink]

The Chinese are good at preserving wildlife - they dry shark fins.

Re:I hear Central Park is no picnic, either.

[vlm]

I for one like the idea of a million WalMart shoppers trying to hold down a supervolcano.

Mitt Rmoney, is that you?

Re:official CDC/National Park Service/WHO links

[flyingfsck]

Well, CNN reported 10,000 and MSN reported 10,000, so that makes 20,000.

Re:Investment?

[erice]

Time to go long on cats? *buy* *buy* *buy*

That's the Toxoplasmosis talking.

Meanwhile

[Anonymous Coward]

Government of Madagascar shuts down shipyards due to safety concerns.