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Rodent Presence Closes Cave Of Domes At Grand Canyon National Park

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By NPT Staff - March 25th, 2016
Cave of Domes entrance, Grand Canyon National Park/NPS

Cave of Domes, the only cave at Grand Canyon National Park open to visitors, has been closed to the public due to the presence of mice that might transmit hantavirus/NPS, Michael Quinn

Concerns that hantavirus-carrying rodents have taken up residence in the Cave of Domes at Grand Canyon National Park has prompted the National Park Service to close the cave to the public for the immediate future.

According to park staff, Coconino County has already confirmed two cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome this year.

HPS is a rare but serious disease that humans can contract through contact with infected rodents or their urine, saliva, blood, or droppings. Infection occurs when virus particles are inhaled. HPS is not spread from person to person. It can be present in any area in Northern Arizona. Since 2006, there have been five confirmed cases of hantavirus in Coconino County.

Park staff say visitors should guard against the disease in wilderness areas or other places that harbor mice. To prevent HPS, public health officials recommend:

* When camping or recreating outside, do not sleep or spend time in close proximity to rodent nests, burrows, or in areas of heavy rodent activity.

* Do not make food or garbage easily available to rodents.

* If rodent droppings or nests are found in and around the home or other buildings, do not stir the area up by vacuuming or sweeping. Spray the area liberally with a disinfectant (such as 1 part bleach to 8 parts water) and allow to soak for at least 15 minutes.

* After disinfecting, wear rubber gloves and use disposable materials such as paper towels or rags to clean, and seal all materials in double plastic bags before disposal.

Cave of the Domes, located near Horseshoe Mesa at the end of the Grandview Trail, is the only cave open to the public in Grand Canyon National Park. Old mines located near Horseshoe Mesa and throughout the park are closed. With the exception of Cave of the Domes, permits are required to enter caves in Grand Canyon National Park due to the extremely sensitive nature of cultural and natural resources inside.

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