Forest Plague
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The discovery of a squirrel that tested positive for plague prompted the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and U.S. Forestry Service today to close the Broken Blade, Twisted Arrow and Pima Loops of the Table Mountain Campground in the Angeles National Forest.
The closures were expected to remain in place for at least seven days.
Campers at the site near Wrightwood were notified.
Health officials said squirrel burrows will be dusted for fleas and more testing will be done before the area is reopened.
``Plague is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, which is why we close affected campgrounds and recreational areas as a precaution while preventive measures are taken to control the flea population,'' according to Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, the county's public health director.
``It is important for the pubic to know that there have only been four cases of human plague in Los Angeles County residences since 1984, none of which were fatal.''
The closures were expected to remain in place for at least seven days.
Campers at the site near Wrightwood were notified.
Health officials said squirrel burrows will be dusted for fleas and more testing will be done before the area is reopened.
``Plague is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, which is why we close affected campgrounds and recreational areas as a precaution while preventive measures are taken to control the flea population,'' according to Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, the county's public health director.
``It is important for the pubic to know that there have only been four cases of human plague in Los Angeles County residences since 1984, none of which were fatal.''
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