A beach on the south shore of Lake Tahoe in California has been closed to the public after a number of chipmunks tested positive for the plague, officials have said.
Kiva Beach, as well as the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, and their parking areas in South Lake Tahoe will remain closed until Friday while the Forest Service completes 'eradication treatments' like flea control.
The areas will likely be reopened before the weekend, and the area's Tallac Historic site and the Kiva Picnic area and its parking lot will remain open.
The chipmunks which were found with traces of the disease had not come into contact with humans, El Dorado County spokesperson Carla Hass told the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Kiva Beach and their parking areas in South Lake Tahoe will remain closed, while the Forest Service completes 'eradication treatments,' like flea control, which the agency said it aimed to do by Thursday
The infected chipmunks were discovered by California's Vector-Borne Disease Section, which routinely captures and tests chipmunks, ground squirrels, mice and other rodents known to carry the plague (file image)
The infected chipmunks were discovered by California's Vector-Borne Disease Section, which routinely captures and tests chipmunks, ground squirrels, mice and other rodents known to carry the plague.
The infected chipmunks were discovered by California's Vector-Borne Disease Section, which routinely captures and tests chipmunks, ground squirrels, mice and other rodents known to carry the plague.
Although it is associated with the mass death of Europeans in the 14th century, plague control is a routine problem in California - the disease occurs naturally in the mountains and foothills of the state.
According to the Associated Press, 20 rodents afflicted with the plague were discovered in the vicinity of Lake Tahoe between 2016 and 2019.
The plague is also present and tested for in New Mexico, Arizona, southern Oregon, western Nevada and Colorado.
One to 17 human cases are reported in the US each year, according to the Center for Disease Control.
The last Californian to be diagnosed with the disease, according to the Tahoe Daily Tribune, contracted the plague in August of last year. El Dorado County officials said that they likely were bitten by a contagious flea while walking their dog along U.S. Highway 50 or in the vicinity of the Tahoe Keys.
The disease took the life of a 10-year-old in southwestern Colorado's La Plata County last month. Her identity has not been released by officials.
Although it is associated with the mass death of Europeans in the 14th century, plague control is a routine problem in California - the disease occurs naturally in the mountains and foothills of the state
In 2015, four people died of the plague nationwide, including two from Colorado: an adult in Pueblo County and a teenager in Larimer County, according to Colorado Public Radio.
California's Forest Service could not be reached for contact regarding the frequency of their testing, or how many chipmunks tested positive for the disease.
'It's important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking or camping in areas where wild rodents are present,' said Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams in a 2020 press release. 'Human cases of plague are extremely rare but can be very serious.'
Although humans, cats and dogs are often visibly ill with plague symptoms, wild animals often behave normally when infected. Unlike those with rabies, animals with the plague are not more likely to bite or interact with humans.
To protect themselves from the plague, according to The Center for Food Security and Public Health those living, working and hiking in areas with documented plague activity can take many of the same precautions used to prevent Lyme Disease - by deterring fleas by limiting skin exposure with long sleeved and legged garments, and even tucking long pants into socks.
Gloves should always be worn when handling dead animals and, intuitively, the agency recommends avoiding areas 'where large groups of rodents suddenly die.'
Those with cats and dogs should deter their pets from investigating rodent holes and treated regularly with flea control products.
Black Death plague which killed millions in the Middle Ages is still at large in the US - but is now curable
The Plague is infamous for killing millions in Europe, Asia and Africa during the Middle Ages, where it became known as the Black Death.
But is now a thankfully rare disease and curable in most cases.
The disease is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
Humans usually get the plague after being bitten by a flea carrying the plague bacterium, or by handling an animal infected with plague.
Cats and dogs who have contracted plague pneumonia can also spread the disease via coughs and sneezes.
The most common symptom is the rapid development of a swollen and painful lymph gland called a bubo, though flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, weakness are also common.
Symptoms generally arise within two weeks of initial exposure
It is treatable with commonly available antibiotics, though medical intervention is encouraged early for the best chance at a full recovery.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
One to 17 human cases are reported in the US each year, according to the Center for Disease Control