AT least eight Australians might have been exposed to a deadly virus during a trip to world famous Yosemite National Park in the US.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which kills one in three victims, already has claimed three lives. However, the virus cannot be "caught" from infected people.
US authorities examined the park's accommodation records and advised the Australian Health Department at least eight Australians might have been exposed.
US authorities have contacted each one with information about the symptoms but fear there could be more people exposed.
"Because these individuals rented cabins, but were not necessarily the sole occupants of the cabins, they were informed of the critical importance of communicating information provided to them about the virus to others who might have stayed in the cabins with them," a spokeswoman said.
Medical Officer Chris Baggoley wrote to Australian medical representative groups to advise them of the development last Friday.
They are particularly worried about people who stayed at the Signature Tent Cabins in Curry Village between June 10 and August 24.
Deer mice are usually the source of hantavirus. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and difficulty breathing.
There is no treatment but early intervention can increase survival chances.
Originally published as Aussies exposed to deadly virus