Yosemite Park Hantavirus Lawsuit
Individuals who visited Yosemite National Park this summer may be at risk of developing hantavirus, a serious and potentially life-threatening lung disease that is carried by deer mice that infested several of the park’s camps.
It appears that Yosemite officials may have known, or should have known, about the risk of problems at the park, but may have failed to protect campers. The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are evaluating the potential for Yosemite virus lawsuits on behalf of individuals diagnosed with hantavirus or who received a warning about their risk of exposure.
Over the past few weeks, federal health officials have confirmed at least 8 cases of hantavirus among Yosemite Park visitors, including at least three deaths. However, the virus can incubate for up to six weeks before symptoms appear. In addition, individuals may confuse the symptoms with the flu, before it progresses to a more serious and life-threatening illness.
Hantavirus results in death in about 38% of cases, and it often requires a blood test to diagnose. Therefore, the confirmed and reported cases of the virus among Yosemite visitors may only represent a small portion of the actual cases that have surfaced.
Early symptoms of hantavirus may include:
- Fever and Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Naeusea and Abdominal Pain
- Back Pain and Muscle Aches
- Coughing and Breathing Problems
These problems can progress through multiple phases of hantavirus hemorrhagic fever, potentially leading to renal or kidney failure. The infection may also cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which can lead to cardiovascular shock and death.
Individuals who visited Yosemite Park this summer and are experiencing virus symptoms are being encouraged to seek immediate medical attention. It also appears that individuals may be entitled to financial compensation as a result of the failure to protect Yosemite Park visitors from this risk or warn about the problems as early as possible.
Yosemite Hantavirus Outbreak at Curry Village and High Sierra Camps
Last week, Yosemite sent letters to about, 2900 people who stayed in the Signature Tent Cabins at the Curry Village section of the park. However, the CDC indicates that more than 10,000 people may be at risk after staying in the tent cabins this summer, when accounting for guests who came with the registered visitors.
This week, warnings were expanded to include an additional 12,000 visitors who stayed at the High Sierra Camps, which is a more remote part of Yosemite.
Hantavirus is carried by rodents, and it is believed that the cabins at Yosemite were infested with deer mice and droppings that could have transferred the virus to humans. Reports have suggested that 20% of Yosemite Park’s deer mice carry hantavirus, and reports suggest that park officials may hhave known about the rodent infestation since at least 2010.
Yosemite Hantavirus Class Action Lawyers
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing individual injury lawsuits, as well as potential class action lawsuits, for individuals who may have been impacted by the Yosemite hantavirus outbreak, including those:
- Diagnosed with Hantavirus after Visiting Yosemite National Park
- Visitors to Yosemite Curry Village Signature Tent Cabins Between June 2012 and August 2012
- Visitors to Yosemite High Sierra Camps Between June 2012 and August 2012
The potential for litigation is being reviewed for individuals and families from throughout the United States who may have a Yosemite hantavirus lawsuit. All cases are reviewed under a contingency fee agreement, which means that there are no fees or expenses charged unless a recovery is obtained. To review a potential claim for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
3 Comments • Add Your Comments
Al says:
We stayed in the Signature Tent Cabins (2) from 8/13/12 – 816/12. We were 7 people: me, my wife, our son, daurhter-in-law and 2 grandsons ages 5 and 7. It woould appear that Curry Village knew of the outbreak but did not tell us. And their staff loaned us brooms to sweep out our cabins thus increasing the risk manyfold. Which suggests they either didn’t educate their employees about the risk or, didn’t tell them.
Posted on September 8, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Bob says:
My son 26 years old visited the park last week of 5/12 a few days later got flu like symptoms . Traveled back home near pittsburgh pa had a hart attack while having flu like symptoms . Back here no one seems to no why. They just keep telling us he had a virus. Since then we have had him in an out of the hospital. Does anyone have any ideas that could help us.
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:20 pm
ellim says:
while in an area heavily infested by mice and droppings,,don’t think i had the vris although no one would give me test,,though had a deadly infection,,,,,,stranded in the area this last winter……suffered many ways……….as looking for good atty regards various issues……
Posted on April 26, 2013 at 4:09 pm