Squirrel tests positive for plague in South Lake Tahoe area
Submitted by editor on Fri, 09/04/2015 - 4:55pm
A California ground squirrel found dead in the picnic area of Kiva Beach at south shore Lake Tahoe on Aug. 17 has tested positive for plague. El Dorado County health officials were notified Wednesday by the California Department of Public Health that the squirrel tested positive for plague.
The squirrel had been sent for testing to the state laboratory. Warning signs have been posted in the affected area and individuals are advised to report any dead or sick rodents. Health officials are not aware of human contact with the squirrel.
“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County, so we need to be cautious around animals that can carry it,” said Karen Bender, Supervisor with the El Dorado County Environmental Management Division.
Plague is an infectious bacterial disease spread by squirrels, chipmunks and other wild rodents and their fleas. People can get plague when they are bitten by an infected flea or through close contact with an infected animal. Plague can be prevented by avoiding contact with wild rodents and areas where fleas are noted, and by keeping pets away from rodent burrows.
Symptoms of plague usually show up within two weeks of exposure to an infected animal or flea, and include fever, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. Plague can be effectively treated with antibiotics if detected early.
CDPH routinely monitors rodent populations for plague activity in California and closely coordinates with county health officials. Last year in El Dorado County, two live rodents tested positive for plague antibodies, and in 2013 three similarly tested positive. There were no reports of illness to people. So far in 2015, two human cases of plague have been reported with exposure in California. Both people were treated and recovered. These were the first reported human cases in the state since 2006.
Tips to prevent plague include the following:
— Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents.
— Never touch sick, injured or dead rodents.
— Do not camp, sleep or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed.
— Look for and heed posted warning signs.
— Wear long pants tucked into boot tops and spray insect repellent containing DEET on socks and pant cuffs to reduce exposure to fleas.
— Leave pets home if possible; otherwise keep pets on a leash. Do not allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or explore rodent burrows. Protect pets with flea control products.
Cats can pose a higher risk of plague transmission to humans when they have contact with infected rodents. Keep cats away from rodents. Consult a veterinarian if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents.
If you get sick after being in an area where plague is known to occur, consult a physician and tell them you may have been exposed to plague.
State and local health officials will continue to monitor plague-prone areas. To report a sick or dead rodent or for questions about plague, please contact El Dorado County Environmental Management at (530) 573-3450. Go here for more information about plague.
