Parts of Lake Tahoe closed after chipmunks test positive for plague

[Zeedox]

Parts of Lake Tahoe closed after chipmunks test positive for plague

The infectious bacterial disease tends to be spread by chipmunks, other wild rodents and their fleas.

www.nbcnews.com

Officials are closing some areas on the south shore of Lake Tahoe after some chipmunks tested positive for plague.

The Tahoe Daily Tribune reports that the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Kiva Beach and their parking areas will be off limits through Friday.

During that time, the U.S. Forest Service will be conducting vector control treatments to those areas.

El Dorado County spokeswoman Carla Hass said the chipmunks that were tested had no contact with any people.

 

[Gomez Adams]

Jesus. If I were a truly religious person, I would be easily convinced this is end of days level shit going down.

 

[Zeedox]

Apparently, the plague is not uncommon in the southwest.

https://www.cdc.gov/plague/resources/235098_plaguefactsheet_508.pdf

Plague occurs naturally in the western United States, particularly Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico. The plague bacterium (Yersinia pestis) is transmitted by fleas and cycles naturally among wild rodents. Plague can also infect humans and their pets

 

[Hugo Stiglitz]

Apparently, the plague is not uncommon in the southwest.

Anywhere really. We get that in prairie dog populations all over the plains states.

 

[Zeedox]

And don't forget armadillo's can carry leprosy!