Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: England and Wales Health Protection Agency, full page: (LINK). Edited.]
Update on outbreak of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in the US
7 September 2012
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware that there have been two further confirmed cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in visitors who had visited Yosemite National Park in California, bringing the total to eight. There has also been one further death, bringing the total to three.
Seven of the eight cases of HPS have been linked to the "Signature Tent Cabins" in Curry Village in Yosemite Valley.
Those cabins have been closed and all UK residents who are known to have booked to stay overnight since June 10 have been contacted by the park authorities or by the Health Protection Agency.
One of the eight confirmed cases who exhibited mild symptoms of HPS and is recovering, stayed in multiple High Sierra Camps in Yosemite (a different area of the park than Curry Village) in July. One of the High Sierra Camps is therefore the most likely source of that person's infection.
There is a very low risk of hantavirus throughout the USA, and sporadic cases of hantavirus infection have been reported from this area previously.
A spokesperson for the HPA, said:
?We are working to ensure that visitors who may have been put at risk have clear information about this rare virus and understand the importance of early medical care. The main risk remains staying at the Signature Tent Cabins between 10 June and 24 August 2012.
?If visitors staying at this resort within this time period have symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome ? particularly fever, muscle aches or a cough ? within 6 weeks of their return, they are advised to seek medical attention urgently. However, if they are currently well and have no symptoms, there is no need to seek medical attention.?
Notes to editors
7 September 2012
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware that there have been two further confirmed cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in visitors who had visited Yosemite National Park in California, bringing the total to eight. There has also been one further death, bringing the total to three.
Seven of the eight cases of HPS have been linked to the "Signature Tent Cabins" in Curry Village in Yosemite Valley.
Those cabins have been closed and all UK residents who are known to have booked to stay overnight since June 10 have been contacted by the park authorities or by the Health Protection Agency.
One of the eight confirmed cases who exhibited mild symptoms of HPS and is recovering, stayed in multiple High Sierra Camps in Yosemite (a different area of the park than Curry Village) in July. One of the High Sierra Camps is therefore the most likely source of that person's infection.
There is a very low risk of hantavirus throughout the USA, and sporadic cases of hantavirus infection have been reported from this area previously.
A spokesperson for the HPA, said:
?We are working to ensure that visitors who may have been put at risk have clear information about this rare virus and understand the importance of early medical care. The main risk remains staying at the Signature Tent Cabins between 10 June and 24 August 2012.
?If visitors staying at this resort within this time period have symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome ? particularly fever, muscle aches or a cough ? within 6 weeks of their return, they are advised to seek medical attention urgently. However, if they are currently well and have no symptoms, there is no need to seek medical attention.?
Notes to editors
- HPA statement on the outbreak of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in the US; 3 September 2012.
- Individuals who are concerned can contact their local Health Protection Unit (HPU) for further advice. Details can be found on the Local Health Protection Units page.
- More information on this outbreak is available from a Q&A document on the HPA website.
- More information on Hantavirus from the HPA website
- Travel advice to Yosemite National Park is available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNac) website [external link].
- Information from CDC [external link].
- Information from CDPH [external link].
- The Health Protection Agency is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. In April 2013 the Health Protection Agency will become part of a new organisation called Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health. To find out more, visit our website: www.hpa.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @HPAuk . ?Like? us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthProtectionAgency [external link].
- For more information please contact the national HPA press office at Colindale on 0208 327 7901 or email colindale-pressoffice@hpa.org.uk. Out of hours the duty press officer can be contacted on 0208 200 4400.
Last reviewed: 7 September 2012
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