Update on suspected case of Hantavirus at Belmont Park
by NYRA Press Office
On Friday, June 22, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) announced that an individual employed as a backstretch worker at Belmont Park recently died of a suspected case of a rare infection known as Hantavirus.
On Saturday, June 23, the DOH issued an update to announce that testing of clinical specimens sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) returned a negative result for Hantavirus. Based on CDC findings and the Department of Health’s ongoing investigation, the probable cause of death is bacterial sepsis, which can become life threatening if the immune system is compromised.
In response, NYRA communications director Pat McKenna issued the following statement.
“NYRA is committed to modernizing backstretch facilities at Belmont Park to support the health and well-being of the backstretch community. NYRA will continue to address pest control measures throughout Belmont Park and will implement all of New York State’s recommendations.”
The June 23 announcement issued by the New York State DOH can be viewed here.
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