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The California Chipmunks have tested positive for plague.
In response, local authorities closed several sites on the south shore of Lake Tahoe.
As the US Forest Service (USFS) works to carry out vector control treatments in affected areas, the Tahoe Daily Tribune reported that the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Kiva Beach and their parking lots will be closed to visitors. until Friday.
WEST NILE VIRUS REPORTED IN SEVERAL STATES
The USFS expects the facility to reopen by the weekend.
El Dorado County spokeswoman Carla Hass said the chipmunks tested had no contact with humans and the city’s public health departments show that the plague is naturally present in some areas of The Golden State.
Plague is an infectious bacterial disease.
It tends to be spread by chipmunks and other wild rodents and their fleas.
In humans, symptoms can appear within two weeks of exposure to an infected animal and include fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
If caught early, plague infections can be treated with antibiotics. However, some cases can be fatal if not treated early.
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Hikers and others who enjoy outdoor activities are advised to avoid contact with animals and to do the same for their pets.
“Individuals can greatly reduce their risk of becoming infected with plague by taking simple precautions, including avoiding contact with wild rodents and their fleas,” said Dr Bob Hartmann, acting public health officer of the El Dorado County, in a statement. “Do not feed rodents in picnic or camping areas, and never handle sick or dead rodents. Also, leave your pets at home when visiting areas at high risk for plague.”
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the plague was first introduced to the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases have since occurred in northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, southern Oregon, far western Nevada and California. .
More than 80% of plague cases in the United States were in the bubonic form, and an average of seven cases of human plague have been reported each year.
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Although people of all ages have been infected with the plague, about half of the cases occur in people between the ages of 12 and 45.
It is slightly more common in men.
The USFS would work with the county and the CDPH to educate the public and authorities would monitor plague-prone areas with additional rodent surveillance conducted this week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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