Plague-carrying chipmunks at Lake Tahoe

(NEXSTAR) – After the plague was present in some chipmunks alongside Lake Tahoe’s bustling south shore, the U.S. Forest Service introduced that no less than two websites can be closed by means of Friday.

Taylor Creek Customer Middle, Kiva Seashore and their parking areas will shut for the U.S. Forest Service to deal with the realm, officers mentioned. The Tallac Web site/Kiva Picnic space will stay open.

The eradication course of is predicted to be wrapped up in time for the weekend, officers mentioned.

Human circumstances of the plague, which happens naturally in components of California, are uncommon however may be critical, officers warn. The bacterial illness is unfold by squirrels, chipmunks and different wild rodents and their fleas.

“Folks can develop into contaminated by means of shut contact with contaminated animals or the chunk of an contaminated flea,” the Forest Service warned. “Plague may be prevented by avoiding contact with these rodents and their fleas, and by maintaining pets away from rodents and their burrows.”

El Dorado County officers have issued comparable warnings up to now after the plague was detected in the identical space.

Whereas it’s very uncommon for a human to contract the plague in these circumstances, California received its first case in 5 years in August 2020, when an individual was believed to be contaminated by a flea whereas strolling a canine close to the south shore of Lake Tahoe.

In Colorado, state well being officers introduced final month that plague had been present in six counties, and was linked to the death of a 10-year-old.