Hantavirus, rabies exposures confirmed at Grand Canyon National Park
Share and Follow


LAS VEGAS (KLAS) An employee at Grand Canyon National Park was exposed to hantavirus, and a separate case of exposure to rabies in the park has also been confirmed.

A Coconino County health official confirmed both reports to affiliate KLAS.

While hantavirus can be fatal, it’s also rare. The virus is spread primarily by deer mice, according to Eve Wolters, deputy director for Coconino County Health and Human Services. Deer mice are part of the environment at Grand Canyon National Park.

Authorities did not say how the Grand Canyon employee may have been exposed.

Hantavirus, which does not spread between people, has no specific cure or treatment. Early medical attention can, however, increase the chance of survival.

An infection can rapidly progress and become life-threatening.

Earlier this year, an autopsy confirmed that Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that from 1993 to 2022, New Mexico had the highest concentration of hantavirus cases in the U.S., followed by Colorado, Arizona, California, and Washington.

About 38% of cases are fatal, according to the CDC.

Earlier this year, three people in the remote California town of Mammoth Lakes died of hantavirus. Dr. Tom Boo, the county’s public health officer, said it was not initially believed that any of them “engaged in activities typically associated with exposure, such as cleaning out poorly ventilated indoor areas or outbuildings with a lot of mouse waste.”

Boo said in April that deer mice numbers are believed to be high this year in the Mammoth Lakes area, noting that “an increase in indoor mice elevates the risk of Hantavirus exposure.”

Nevada officials advise taking care when cleaning out areas such as sheds, barns, trailers, garages, and cabins where deer mice have nested or left droppings.

Rabies cases

Eve Wolters, deputy director for Coconino County Health and Human Services, said rabies cases are much more common than hantavirus, and bats are a primary carrier.

“There are things you can do to protect yourself. Be aware of what you’re coming into contact with and take appropriate precautions,” she said.

“People want to sleep out under the stars,” Wolters said. And while that’s easy to understand at a place like the Grand Canyon, a tent is safer. While you’re sleeping, you just don’t know what might be exploring your face, she said.

The recent report at the Grand Canyon involved a bat collected along the Colorado River near Kanab Creek Canyon. The bat tested positive for rabies, according to the National Park Service.

Wolters said the person exposed to the bat had recovered after treatment known as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Whoopi Goldberg whines on The View about her multi-million dollar gig

Whoopi Goldberg complains about her high-paying job on The View

Whoopi Goldberg whined that her multimillion-dollar job co-hosting The View can ‘feel like hell,’…
Trump slaps 50 percent tariff on Brazil, citing Bolsonaro prosecution

Trump imposes 50% tax on Brazil, claiming Bolsonaro persecution

President Trump on Wednesday announced plans to impose a 50 percent tariff…
Former UFC champ, actor airlifted after race track crash near Kansas City: reports

Reports indicate that a former UFC champion and actor required an air evacuation after a crash at a race track close to Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) — Former Ultimate Fighting Championship champion and actor…
12-year-old charged with murder in bicyclist's death in Albuquerque

Child, 12, accused of killing cyclist in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The youngest juvenile involved in the death of a bicyclist…
Chinese state-sponsored contract hacker arrested in Italy at U.S. request, DOJ says

Italian authorities arrest Chinese hacker at the request of the United States Department of Justice

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice said on Tuesday that a…
10 held in Texas immigration detention center shooting that was 'planned ambush,' US attorney says

“US Attorney describes Texas immigration detention center shooting as a ‘planned ambush’, resulting in 10 arrests”

Ten people have been arrested on attempted murder charges after attackers in…
Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke released from Illinois prison; expected to be at Salvation Army halfway house

Ex-Chicago Alderman Ed Burke is now out of jail in Illinois and will soon be placed in a Salvation Army halfway house

CHICAGO (WLS) — Convicted former Alderman Ed Burke was released from federal…
3 missing, house swept away as flash flooding hits mountain village in New Mexico

Flash Flooding Devastates New Mexico Mountain Village: 3 Missing, House Swept Away

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — At least three people were missing in…