Plague warning at Fallen Leaf Lake Campground

A flea from a Yellow pine chipmunk in the Lake Tahoe area has tested positive for plague.

The flea was sampled from one of three rodents trapped in the Fallen Leaf Lake Campground area during routine plague surveillance May 18.

Warning signs are posted in the affected area and individuals are advised to report dead or sick rodents. All campers checking in are provided with educational materials about plague. Health officials are not aware of any human contact with infected rodents in the Fallen Leaf area.

Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County. Additional plague testing will be performed this week in the Fallen Leaf Lake Campground area.

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 rodent or pet. Plague can be prevented by avoiding contact with wild rodents, 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.