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Posted: Friday, 07 September 2012 6:27AM

Third Death Confirmed From Hantavirus Outbreak



YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. -- The death toll is rising after an outbreak of hantavirus at Yosemite National Park in California.

A third death was confirmed Thursday, and there are now eight cases reported in the U.S.

Whatcom County health officer Dr. Greg Stern says anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms who was at Yosemite this summer should get checked out by a doctor.


 
Hantavirus is spread through the droppings of deer mice.

Doctor Stern says if you're cleaning out an old cabin or crawlspace and you see signs of rodent droppings, don't just sweep it up.


 
A local woman’s death prompted international warnings of hantavirus in 2006.

Forty-four-year-old Lynden-area resident Sara Shields-Priddy was the first known person to die from hantavirus in Whatcom County.