With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Squirrel With Bubonic Plague Forces Campground Closures
(Photo by IrinaK/Shutterstock)
A ground squirrel in the Angeles National Forest has tested positive for bubonic plague, prompting several campgrounds to be closed for the public's safety.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health closed the Broken Blade, Twisted Arrow and Pima Loops of the Table Mountain campgrounds Wednesday as a precaution after a squirrel captured in a trap tested positive this week for the plague.
The sites will be closed for at least seven days.
Since the plague is spread to humans through infected fleas, squirrel burrows in the area will be dusted for fleas and further testing of the animals will be done before the area is reopened.
Sponsored message
Symptoms of the plague include enlarged lymph glands near the flea bite, as well as fever and chills. It can be fatal if untreated. Fortunately, since it's no longer the middle ages, antibiotics are usually effective against the disease that once ravaged Europe.
Jonathan E. Fielding, M.D., M.P.H., Director of Public Health and Health Officer said in a press release, "It is important for the public to know that there have only been four cases of human plague in Los Angeles County residents since 1984, none of which were fatal." Whew!
Plague isn't unknown in the local squirrel population, with animals testing positive for the disease in the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside, the Los Alamos campgrounds in Gorman and the Stoneyvale Picnic Area near La Cañada/Flintridge, officials said.
Last year, the dreaded hantavirus killed three people at Yosemite National Park because of infected deer mice.
Officials issued the following common-sense precautions to campers:
- Do not feed wild animals or leave edible trash out where wild animals can get to it
- Avoid camping or picnicking in the immediate vicinity of ground squirrel burrows
- Avoid taking pets into areas where they could be exposed to fleas. If you must take your pet into areas with fleas, please ensure your pet has appropriate flea control and vaccinations, as recommended by a veterinarian.
If you see a dead squirrel, or simply want more information, contact the L.A. County Department of Public Health at (626) 430-5450.
Related:
Oakland Currently Experiencing A Rabid Bat Problem
Ew! Squirrel Tests Positive For Bubonic Plague
Yosemite Officials Warn 1700 Recent Visitors May Be at Risk for Rare Rodent-Borne Disease
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
