Hantavirus at Yosemite?

Scotty · 09-01-2012, 01:40 AM

Have you been listening to the news about the hantavirus that has been infecting people? From what I understand the people who have stayed at a particular group of cabins have been turning up with the virus the most. The cabins have a double wall and the mice have been able to tunnel into the center and live. Since the virus is shed in feces and urine, the mice have spread it. They are now trying to see where else they are finding the virus. The scary part is you may die when you go through the infection and that 10,000 people may be at risk for developing the disease. Scary thought.

campclose · 09-01-2012, 07:36 AM

Holy cow - its the first I have heard of it. They better figure this out quick and knock down the infected cabins. I can sense lawsuit.

hummingbird · 09-01-2012, 09:55 PM

The more that diseases have been identified, the more we see them. What I mean is, there was a time when we didn't know what an illness was, we would just call it "flu" or "pneumonia". Even when someone died it was the same. Now, with the organisms named, then they can name the disease that killed someone. Either way, you've died. It doesn't matter if they can name it or not your still dead.

Esperahol · 09-02-2012, 03:09 AM

What ever happened to basic upkeep? There really shouldn't be a colony of rodents in a place supposedly fit for human habitation. Are inspections just not done anymore up there?

wvbreamfisherman · 09-02-2012, 09:09 AM

1. Hantavirus is pretty well endmeic in the Western US (as is Bubonic Plague, BTW).

2. It's nearly impossible to keep mice and other small rodents out of ANY building, much less a tent cabin.

3. Even a National Park ain't Disneyland. You have to expect contact with wild animals from Grizzlies (where they exist), right on down to the tiniest native mouse or shrew. That's nature- deal with it.

4. Yeah, they probably could have done a better job of upkeep, but I doubt if they are allowed to routinely poison and/or trap the place out. Anyhow, anyplace that's occupied by people day in and day out is going to accumulate bits of food that are attractive to such critters.

The trail shelters on the AT are famous for being occupied by mice (also blacksnakes attracted by the mice in at least a couple shelters). If you use the shelter you're going to encounter mice. If that's a problem for you, then you'll want to tent away from the shelter.

ppine · 09-02-2012, 12:40 PM

Deer mice the tan and white ones are the carriers of the virus. They are common in cabins, garages and wall tent cities like Yosemite. Four cases out of 10,000 people exposed. America the society of fear.

ejdixon · 09-03-2012, 12:18 PM

I have to admit that this is the first time that I've heard of it. I just have to wonder though, since most of those that were infected were staying in cabins, are we that stay in our own tents have a lesser, if not no chance, to get infected?

Greatoutdoors · 09-06-2012, 07:38 PM

Actually WV a seven year old Colorado girl is recovering from the Bubonic Plague. She contracted it while burying a dead squirrel. Sounds like she is on the mend though.

wvbreamfisherman · 09-06-2012, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greatoutdoors

Actually WV a seven year old Colorado girl is recovering from the Bubonic Plague. She contracted it while burying a dead squirrel. Sounds like she is on the mend though.

I saw that story after I posted. Good catch on the part of the ER doc! Bubonic plague isn't the first thing that usually comes to mind. I understand plague is pretty rare in CO, so it was an even better call!

Good policy is to avoid contact with all rodents, especially out West and doubly so for any sick/dead ones.

It's the fleas you have to worry about, and they are more likely to be jumping ship from a sick/dead animal.

Judy Ann · 09-06-2012, 09:09 PM

After reading about the infestations of bed bugs in the last couple of years, I'd rather take my chances of sleeping in my clean tent, on my thermarest and inside my clean bag than take a chance sleeping in an inexpensive motel. I have never brought food into my tents (Scotch and bottled water only). Enjoying the outdoors has some risks, but offers many, many rewarding experiences.

Wear appropriate clothing, use bug spray, sleep away from standing water, bag your food appropriately away from tents, check yourself and pets for ticks frequently and take whatever precautions you deem necessary to reduce fears and increase your enjoyment of hiking and camping. Nothing worth doing is without risks!