Visitors need not be alarmed at news reports of the death of a Grand Canyon wildlife biologist thought to have been caused by Hantavirus and the plague. The man may have contracted these diseases due to direct contact with infected animals and their waste as a function of his job. The diseases are not transmitted from human-to-human and the threat of widespread public danger is extremely unlikely. Antibiotic treatment has been prescribed for people who came into direct contact with the biologist in the last weeks of his life.
As reported by the Associated Press newswire on November 6, 2007:
“Eric York, 37, was found in his home at the Grand Canyon National Park on Friday. The Coconino County Medical Examiner suspects an infectious illness may have killed York because his lungs were filled with fluid and his body showed signs of pneumonia. Tests results are expected later this week…
…Because of York’s professional interests and hobbies, medical officials believe hantavirus and plague are possible causes, according to a Park Service spokeswoman…
…Hantavirus is transmitted to humans through infected rodent droppings, urine and saliva and is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain and difficulty breathing.
Plague is transmitted primarily by fleas and direct contact with infected animals. When the disease causes pneumonia, it can be transmitted from an infected person to a non-infected person by airborne cough droplets. Those who were near York have been told to monitor themselves for high fever, chills, a cough or difficulty breathing.
Both diseases, while rare, are endemic in the Southwest.
York became ill on Oct. 30, and called in sick for a couple of days before being found dead in his home. As a wildlife biologist, he often came into contact with wild animals that can carry the plague or in areas where rodents congregate, Oltrogge said. He also was an avid outdoorsman, and liked to hike and hunt.”
Read the full article from the Arizona Republic
