Chipmunks near Lake Tahoe test positive for the plague

Chipmunks close to the south shore of Lake Tahoe in California have examined constructive for the plague, prompting officers to close down a number of spots within the space to guard guests.

The contaminated chipmunks had no recognized contact with folks earlier than testing constructive, El Dorado County spokeswoman Carl Hass mentioned.

Well being officers mentioned that the infectious bacterial illness is of course current in some areas of the state, together with El Dorado County the place South Lake Tahoe is positioned.

The illness, which induced the Black Loss of life in Europe within the 1300s, will be unfold by chipmunks, different wild rodents and their fleas.

People are likely to expertise signs inside two weeks of publicity to an contaminated animal.

These signs can embrace fever, nausea, weak point and swollen lymph nodes.

Officers mentioned that Taylor Creek Customer Heart, Kiva Seaside and their parking areas can be off-limits by means of Friday whereas park authorities carry out vector-control therapies.

People who find themselves collaborating in outside actions or dwell within the space have been urged to chorus from making contact with animals.

“Don’t feed rodents in picnic or campground areas and by no means deal with sick or lifeless rodents,” Dr. Bob Hartmann, the interim county public well being officer for El Dorado County, mentioned in an announcement.

With Publish wires