Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome kills two people in U.S.

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A severe respiratory disease, known as the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, has killed two people in the United States, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The rare disease is a lung infection caused by viruses found in the saliva, urine, and droppings of some rodents.

WHO says that investigations indicate that six cases of the disease have been confirmed in the Yosemite National Park in California.

Tarik Jasarevic is WHO spokesman in Geneva.

"Two of those six cases died. Investigations carried out by the National Park Service Office of public health revealed that six confirmed cases contracted the disease in June and July of this year. Five of the six cases have stayed in the same camp cabins in the area of the part called Curry Village. And right now the National Park Service is working with the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to detect additional cases and to heighten public health awareness of Hantavirus and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome." (Duration: 28")

Filed under Today's News.
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