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Home Learning CentersCispus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions

A visit to the Cispus Learning Center is an exciting time, but the trip can generate questions. Read on for answers to our most frequently asked questions.

1. Is Mt. St. Helens a danger to the Cispus Learning Center and its visitors?

The Cispus Learning Center is located approximately 17 miles (a one-hour drive) from Mt. St. Helens.

The well-being of all students, staff and visitors is always our top concern here at Cispus. We would never open our doors to schools or other organizations if we believed there was a threat to our guests.

To ensure that Cispus has the most current information available, our staff is working with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the federal agency charged with collecting, monitoring, analyzing and providing scientific information about natural resource conditions, issues and problems. The USGS has been carefully monitoring and evaluating the situation at Mt. St. Helens through its Cascades Volcano Observatory and providing that information to us on a regular basis.

To ensure the safety of everyone at Cispus, our staff has also developed an emergency plan should the situation change. In addition to our conversations with the USGS, Cispus staff is in constant communication with local emergency services, including the Unified Command Center of Vancouver, the Randle Fire Department, Lewis County Emergency Services, Lewis County Search & Rescue, Morton Police and a USGS geologist. We also have a partnership with the White Pass School District, which would provide emergency transportation if the need arises.

Anyone with questions about Cispus or the safety of its visitors is encouraged to contact Marty Fortin, director of outdoor learning at 360.497.7131 or fortin@cispus.org

2. I've seen a lot of coverage on the West Nile Virus and Hantavirus.

What is it? Should I be worried about West Nile Virus while visiting Cispus?
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can be a serious, even fatal illness. It can affect people, horses, certain types of birds and other animals. In 2002, the virus was found for the first time in birds and horses in Washington state.

No, the risk of getting West Nile virus is very low.

How is it transmitted? 
Mosquitoes pick up the virus from infected crows, jays, ravens or other birds. Humans, horses, and other animals can be infected when exposed to disease-carrying mosquitoes. There is no evidence that West Nile Virus can be spread by direct contact with infected people or animals.

Who is at risk and what are the symptoms? 
The risk of getting West Nile Virus is very low. Not everyone bitten by an infected mosquito will become infected. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about one in five people who become infected will have mild symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. Even fewer, less than 1 percent of those infected, will develop more severe symptoms. Severe symptoms may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and coma. Individuals with these symptoms should contact their health care provider.

What can I do to avoid infection?
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito infested areas. Use an insect repellent containing DEET—carefully follow application directions. Hantavirus

What is hantavirus? It is a virus that causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a form of adult respiratory disease syndrome. HPS was first reported in the United States in the spring of 1993. As of November 2003, 353 cases had been reported in the U.S. 38 percent of the people died because of the infection.

Have hantavirus cases occurred in Washington? Twenty-six HPS cases have been reported in Washington state. None in Lewis County (home of the Cispus Learning Center).

What are the symptoms of HPS? Symptoms usually begin one to three weeks after exposure to infected deer mice. HPS is characterized by fever, chills and muscle aches, followed by the abrupt onset of respiratory distress and shortness of breath. The muscle aches are severe, involving the thighs, hips, back and sometimes the shoulder. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Where is hantavirus found and how common is it? The deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is the main carrier of hantavirus in the western United States; however, all wild rodents should be avoided. Although deer mice are present at Cispus, we most commonly find house mice on campus.

How is a person exposed? Deer mice shed the virus in their urine, saliva and droppings. A person may be exposed to hantavirus by breathing dust after cleaning rodent droppings or disturbing nests, or by living or working in rodent-infested settings.  

How can I avoid exposure to hantavirus?  Avoid contact with rodents and do not disturb rodent nests.

Where can I get more information? Call your local health department or the Washington State Department of Health at 360.236.3362 or toll free 877.539.4344.