A chipmunk found last week at Taylor Creek Visitor Center tested positive for the bacteria that causes plague.

Visitors to area picnic spots and campgrounds should take precautions to protect themselves from plague, a disease transmitted by infected fleas. This starts with not feeding rodents and never handling sick or dead rodents. Also, leave pets at home when visiting areas with elevated plague risk

Plague is a rare, yet highly infectious bacterial disease that is spread by squirrels, chipmunks and other wild rodents and their fleas.

Early symptoms of plague include high fever, chills, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin.

Additional rodent surveillance will be done in the area this week.

To report a sick or dead rodent, contact El Dorado County Vector Control at (530) 573.3197.