Biologist Eric York was found dead in his home on November 2, 2007, and an autopsy proved that he was infected with the plague. He is believed to have contracted the disease while performing an autopsy on an infected mountain lion on October 27. He visited a clinic on October 30, complaining of flu-like symptoms, but was sent home since the plague is difficult to diagnose and often confused with the flu.
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"Eric was often referred to as analogous to the animals he studied, in that he moved within their world so naturally. He pushed all of his limits to navigate impossible, and at times, risky terrain that required long field hours, with a firm dedication to answering some difficult conservation questions." Felidae Conservation Fund: In Memory of Eric York
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Fast Facts
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Born
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Worked at the Grand Canyon National Park
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Involved with the Felidae Conservation Fund
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About 30 people who had been in recent contact with York were treated with antibiotics
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No other human cases of the plague were reported
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The plague is most often transmitted by fleas and other infected animals
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The plague becomes fatal if those infected develop pneumonia
