Dataset Information

Hantavirus infections among overnight visitors to Yosemite National Park, California, USA, 2012.

ABSTRACT: In summer 2012, an outbreak of hantavirus infections occurred among overnight visitors to Yosemite National Park in California, USA. An investigation encompassing clinical, epidemiologic, laboratory, and environmental factors identified 10 cases among residents of 3 states. Eight case-patients experienced hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, of whom 5 required intensive care with ventilatory support and 3 died. Staying overnight in a signature tent cabin (9 case-patients) was significantly associated with becoming infected with hantavirus (p<0.001). Rodent nests and tunnels were observed in the foam insulation of the cabin walls. Rodent trapping in the implicated area resulted in high trap success rate (51%), and antibodies reactive to Sin Nombre virus were detected in 10 (14%) of 73 captured deer mice. All signature tent cabins were closed and subsequently dismantled. Continuous public awareness and rodent control and exclusion are key measures in minimizing the risk for hantavirus infection in areas inhabited by deer mice.

SUBMITTER: Nunez JJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3944872 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Hantavirus infections among overnight visitors to Yosemite National Park, California, USA, 2012.

Núñez Jonathan J JJ Fritz Curtis L CL Knust Barbara B Buttke Danielle D Enge Barryett B Novak Mark G MG Kramer Vicki V Osadebe Lynda L Messenger Sharon S Albariño César G CG Ströher Ute U Niemela Michael M Amman Brian R BR Wong David D Manning Craig R CR Nichol Stuart T ST Rollin Pierre E PE Xia Dongxiang D Watt James P JP Vugia Duc J DJ

Emerging infectious diseases 20140301 3

In summer 2012, an outbreak of hantavirus infections occurred among overnight visitors to Yosemite National Park in California, USA. An investigation encompassing clinical, epidemiologic, laboratory, and environmental factors identified 10 cases among residents of 3 states. Eight case-patients experienced hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, of whom 5 required intensive care with ventilatory support and 3 died. Staying overnight in a signature tent cabin (9 case-patients) was significantly associated ...[more]

PMID: 24565589

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Project description:BackgroundThe climate crisis is the greatest public health threat of the 21st century. Excessive heat is responsible for more deaths than any other extreme weather event, and the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events are increasing globally due to climate change. Exposure to excessive heat can result in heat related illnesses (HRIs) and long-term poor health outcomes. Physical exertion, sudden exposure to excessive heat, and the lack of physical or behavioral adaptation resources are all associated with greater HRI risk, which is expected to increase for visitors to Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) and other public lands as climate change worsens.ObjectivesOur objectives were to understand 1) the relationship between weather and HRI in GCNP visitors, 2) how future HRI rates may change, and 3) how land management agencies can update risk mitigation strategies to match changing risk and better manage an increased HRI burden.MethodsWe utilized previously published data on HRI in GCNP visitors, and records of daily visitation, temperatures, and maximum and minimum daily humidity from the same study period to develop a model estimate for HRI risk. We then used future climate projections from the World Climate Research Programme's Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 multi-model dataset to model future HRI risk under different climate scenarios.ResultsThe incidence of HRI was significantly associated with maximum daily temperature and minimum relative humidity, and was more common in the shoulder season months. We estimated that HRI will increase 29%-137% over 2004-2009 levels through 2100, assuming no change in visitation.DiscussionClimate change will continue to increase HRI risk for GCNP visitors and poses risks to public land managers' mission to provide for safe recreation experiences for the benefit of this and future generations in places like GCNP. Excessive risk during the shoulder season months presents an opportunity to increase preventative search and rescue and education efforts to mitigate increased risk.

Dataset Information

Hantavirus infections among overnight visitors to Yosemite National Park, California, USA, 2012.

Publications

Hantavirus infections among overnight visitors to Yosemite National Park, California, USA, 2012.

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