I got hantavirus while working in Yosemite and it was not fun... (seasonal work in a national park)

You being forgotten in the doctor’s office and then just given antibiotics is a perfect representation of our health care system.

Sue the crap out of that company. They risked your life and offered you lethal living conditions.

oh my god, hantavirus can literally be lethal, in fact it has a 38% mortality rate, meaning statistically 1 in 3 people that contract it can die!! The company was SOOOO negligent, if you have the resources, definitely look into pursuing legal action against them since they were not taking your life seriously and they're also putting visitors and all the employees in danger. Oh my god, that was so horrible. I am soooo happy to see you healthy and alive to talk about this now.

The way my desire to spend a summer working at Yosemite just disappeared 😳

Holy crap, that company sounds horrible. I’m so glad you survived that.

Wow, just wow. I am VERY aware of Yosemite and the response to the risks you faced. I am wondering if you have had a blood test that would reveal the antibodies for Hantavirus? If not you should absolutely get one done. This would not only be for your benefit but to have this documentation it would help to bring the changes that would protect others. Your case should have been reported to the California State health department. Do you know if it was? If not get the blood work and if possible for exposure, make sure it is reported. I would love to say more but not on a public forum. No need to apologize for your handling of this situation, all you needed to do was to survive. Many others who knew how to handle it, let you down. Happy to chat privately.

What a big surprise Aramark didn’t give a shit. I mean they care so much about their customers(not!) who would think they care zero about their $16.00/hour employees.

hantavirus can be deadly. And it is NOT that rare. Glad you survived. The company was definitely negligent.

Good PSA! Another potential fix, for those who plan on being up there: flatten a soda can and fasten it over the hole with nails, glue or duct tape

I'm so sorry that your work treated you that way :( that's so infuriating! I'm glad that you're okay!!

I think you should consult with a lawyer regarding your infection. The company obviously failed to educate you properly about hantavirus. Further, they should have provided you with gloves and mask to use when dealing with the mice. Also, there should be lighted space for you to eat upside your tents. Eating in a tent will transfer the smell into the tent fabric.

Its very hard to advocate for yourself when your very sick. Im sorry you were so sick. Glad your better. 💐

You poor thing, im sorry that happened to you. I remember when that virus ran crazy through the Navajo Nation , think a lot of older people died from that virus. Im glad you’re doing good and you got better. You’re good at telling stories , keep up the good work.

Hantivirus is no joke. People aren’t aware of the disease and how it’s transmitted. Yosemite is beautiful and draws too many visitors…it also has hidden dangers some obvious some not! Glad you’re ok!

Glad you survived that terrible ordeal, Erin. Now scale that mountain, climb that dome, and when you reach the top, tell yourself that in your life there will be many more mountains to climb.

Call cal OSHA. They’ll be very interested in this story. Did you get an antibody test? Hantavirus is mandatory CDC reportable.

So glad you are feeling better! Aramark is a horrible company in my opinion. 🌲

My husband’s uncle got hantavirus and was so close to death. Every organ was on a machine for weeks.

That sounds so rough. I'm glad you're okay now! You're a tough cookie Erin!

This is terrifying! Thanks for sharing this information. Glad you are ok!