August 16, 2012
Updated Aug 16, 2012 at 6:15 PM PDT
After going undetected for over a year, Hantavirus is returning to California. Two new cases were reported in Yosemite just this month.
Both of the people that got sick were staying in Curry Village. One of the people died.
Hantavirus is spread through rodent excrement. Ironically, people typically get sick when they're trying to tidy up.
Officials say it's important to not sweep rodent droppings. Rather they recommend using a disinfectant and wiping down the area of concern.
Since 1993, there have been 60 reported cases of Hantavirus in California. Over a third of them have been fatal.
Health officials can't say why more cases are occurring this year. They are saying Hantavirus is more common at higher elevations.
TXT 24
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