Biologist Fall Prey to Plague

PHOENIX - A wildlife biologist at Grand Canyon National Park likely died from the plague through his exposure to wild animals that can carry the disease, the National Park Service said Friday.

Eric York, 37, was found dead in his home Nov. 2. Following his death, about 30 people who came in contact with him were given antibiotics as a precaution. While authorities were uncertain about how York became infected, officials said that the biologist was at a greater risk to the sometimes fatal disease through his exposure to wild rodents and mountain lions. Park Service officials initially said they suspected the plague or hantavirus, another sometimes-fatal disease endemic to the Southwest, because of York's interests and hobbies.

Yahoo News

Biologist Fall Prey to Plague

Tags: plague, disease Control, Grand Canyon National Park, hantavirus