YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (KMPH) -
Two new possible cases of the Yosemite hantavirus reported - in France - according to a Reuters report.
This as U.S. health officials expand the health alert to 39 countries.
The CDC says as many as 10,000 were at risk to being exposed to hantavirus after staying at one of 91 "signature cabins" at the Curry Village area of Yosemite National Park.
The cabins have since been locked up, and are out of service indefinitely.
Park officials say they are unaware of any cases overseas.
"We have not been contacted by anyone from France, notifying us of hantavirus cases," said Kari Cobb, a Yosemite National Park Ranger.
So far, there are six confirmed cases of the mouse-born virus in the U.S., resulting in the deaths of two men.
Nearly 3,000 health alert notices were mailed or e-mailed to visitors around the world.
Park officials say the health scare did scare away many would-be visitors.
Those who chose not to let the virus ruin their vacation plans say they made sure to call the park ahead of time to learn more.
"We took all the precautions that we could, like airing out the tent for ventilation, and bringing disinfectant spray," said Audrey Chi, who debated about canceling her plans, but eventually chose to go through with her vacation.
The virus cannot be spread from person to person, and you can't be infected by walking through or staying in the curry village area.
Park officials say only those who come in contact with infected deer mice, or their droppings or urine, are at risk for becoming sick with hantavirus.
"You have to be in very close proximity, somewhere that doesn't have a lot of ventilation," explained Cobb.
Park officials say they have no reason to believe any other areas of the park are contaminated with the virus.
Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and cough.
If you think you were exposed, or have questions about the hantavirus, you can call the park's hotline, at (209) 372-0822.
