Over 2,000 species of plants and animals can be found within the park. However only 4 mammals are endemic to the islands, one of which is the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) which is known to carry the Sin Nombre Hantavirus.A strain of Hantavirus has been identified in mouse populations on Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and San Miguel Islands in Channel Islands National Park. Only on remote Santa Barbara and Anacapa Islands was the virus not found. This virus is similar to the Four Corners strain and has been found in greater concentrations on the Channel Islands than at any other location.

Up to 70% of the mice tested carried the Hantavirus, yet here have been no reported human illnesses from contact on the islands. When the testing was performed in 1994 and the strain found, further tests were performed including testing of long term island residents and employees. There were no humans identified who tested positive for contact.

What is Hantavirus?

• Hantavirus (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome) causes flu-like symptoms: fever, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, headaches, and vomiting, followed by rapid onset of respiratory distress 12 hours to several days later.
• The disease is spread through contact (aerosol or skin) with urine, feces, or nesting materials of rodents, or through contaminated food or water. Breathing in the virus is the most common way of becoming infected although you can also become infected by touching the mouth or nose after handling contaminated materials. A rodent's bite potentially can also spread the virus.
• This is a life-threatening illness. If you experience symptoms listed above after engaging in any activities which put you at risk, contact your physician.

Reduce Your Risk of Infection:

There is no evidence to suggest that travel should be restricted. Most tourist activities pose little or no risk. There have been no documented cases of Hantavirus at Channel Islands National Park. However, persons engaged in outdoor activities such as camping or hiking should take precautions to reduce the likelihood of their exposure to rodents or potentially infectious materials.

• Do not feed any wild animals.
• Avoid contact with rodents and rodent burrows.
• Do not disturb dens.
• Do not pitch tents or place sleeping bags in proximity to rodent feces or burrows or near possible rodent shelters.
• If possible, do not sleep on bare ground. Use tents with floors.
• Keep food in rodent-proof containers.
• Promptly discard all garbage and trash in rodent-proof containers.
• Do not handle sick or dead animals.

For more information visit the National Park Service Public Health Program.

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