Squirrels Test Positive for Plague; County Warns Public to Take Care

If your weekend plans include adventure in the great outdoors, the county is warning campers and hikers to stay away from squirrels. Three of the cute little critters trapped by County Vector Control Program officials during routine monitoring have tested positive for plague.  

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health said Tuesday that the infected squirrels were trapped late last week in the Cedar Grove campground near Palomar Mountain. The agency has placed plague warning signs in the area.

Discoveries of plague in rodents is not unusual in San Diego County rural areas.

"People can protect themselves from being exposed to plague," said DEH Director Jack Miller. "Just remember, don't feed or play with squirrels, report dead squirrels to camp rangers, and do not set up your tents near squirrel burrows."

Plague is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans if they come in contact with infected animals or their fleas. People who contract the disease can become very sick and die unless they are treated quickly with antibiotics.

People who get sick within a week of visiting an area known to have plague should contact their doctor immediately, according to DEH. Symptoms of plague include a sudden onset of fever, chills and tender swollen lymph nodes.

People who visit or stay in rural mountain areas should look for plague warning signs and always follow these easy precautions to make sure they don’t come into contact with plague-carrying fleas:

• Avoid contact with ground squirrels, chipmunks and other wild animals.
• Do not feed, touch or handle wild animals.
• Do not rest, camp or sleep near animal burrows in the ground.
• Do not touch sick or dead animals.
• Protect your pets by keeping them on a leash; use flea control, or, best of all, leave pets at home.