Positive plague test results lead to closures in southern Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif .– Based on positive plague tests and planned vector treatments, the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Kiva Beach and their respective parking lots will be closed until Friday, officials said over the weekend.

The positive tests were found in chipmunks without human contact, El Dorado County spokeswoman Carla Hass said on Monday.

The Tallac site, the Kiva picnic parking area, will remain open and visitor center staff and volunteers will be at the Tallac historic site. The Forest Service said vector control would complete its eradication treatments on Thursday and areas would likely reopen before the weekend.

According to El Dorado County Public Health, plague is naturally present in many areas of California, including at higher elevations, and advises to be careful with animals that may carry it.

“It is important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when they are outdoors, especially when walking, hiking or camping in areas where wild rodents are found. present, “Public health official Dr. Nancy Williams said in a press release last year when a person was the first in five years in California to contract the plague. “Human cases of plague are extremely rare but can be very serious. “

Plague is an infectious bacterial disease that is spread by squirrels, chipmunks and other wild rodents and their fleas. People can become infected through close contact with infected animals or the bite of an infected flea.

Authorities say symptoms of plague usually appear within two weeks of exposure to an infected animal or flea and include fever, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. Plague can be treated effectively with antibiotics if caught early.

Plague can be prevented by avoiding contact with these rodents and their fleas, and by keeping pets away from rodents and their burrows. Human cases of plague are rare.

For more information on the plague, visit the CDPH website.