In California, only one rodent species is known to carry hantavirus: the deer mouse (scientific name, Peromyscus maniculatus).
Where is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome most prevalent?
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is most common in rural areas of the western United States during the spring and summer months. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome also occurs in South America and Canada. Other hantaviruses occur in Asia, where they cause kidney disorders rather than lung problems.
What disease is in Yosemite?
Hantavirus pulmonary disease (HPS) is a rare but serious disease that humans can contract through contact with infected rodents or their urine, saliva, blood, or droppings.
How long does hantavirus pulmonary syndrome last?
The virus is inhaled into the lungs. Immune cells ingest the virus, which is then transported through the bloodstream to other organs. This phase lasts 2 to 3 weeks, but there are no symptoms, yet.
Can you get hantavirus from old mouse droppings?
A person may be exposed to hantavirus by breathing contaminated dust after disturbing or cleaning rodent droppings or nests, or by living or working in rodent-infested settings. Typically one to five cases are reported each year and about one out of three people diagnosed with HPS have died.
Do wood mice carry hantavirus?
Other rodents, such as house mice, roof rats, and Norway rats, have never been known to give people HPS. Since it is hard to tell if a mouse or a rat carries a hantavirus, it is best to avoid all wild mice and rats and to safely clean up any rodent urine, droppings, or nests in your home.
Is hiking in Yosemite safe?
Here are some quick tips to help you be safe while hiking in Yosemite: Carry a headlamp on every hike, even short day hikes. Carry and drink plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours) Sturdy footwear with good traction might save an ankle.
Is it safe to drink Yosemite water?
Our water is perfectly safe to drink, bath and swim in, but we recommend that you bring bottled water for drinking, due to the fact that our water has a high mineral content.
How many cases of hantavirus have been confirmed at Yosemite National Park?
As of November 1, 2012 the National Park Service (NPS) has announced a total of 10 confirmed cases of hantavirus infection in people who recently visited Yosemite National Park. The visitors to Yosemite are residents of: California (8), Pennsylvania (1), and West Virginia (1).
Where can I find information about hantavirus (HPS)?
The deer mouse is found throughout most of the United States, including Yosemite National Park. For additional information on preventing HPS, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hantavirus website or California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website. What are common symptoms for HPS?
What is the deer mouse hantavirus?
The deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus) is the primary reservoir for Sin Nombre Virus, the strain of hantavirus responsible for the human cases in Yosemite National Park, and most human cases in the United States. The deer mouse is found throughout most of the United States, including Yosemite National Park.
Who is at risk of hantavirus exposure?
Anyone who comes into contact with rodents that carry hantavirus is at risk of HPS. Rodent infestation in and around the home remains the primary risk for hantavirus exposure. What should I do if I think I have been exposed?
