Palomar ground squirrels test positive for plague

County Vector Control officials announced last week that blood samples collected from two ground squirrels at the Doane Valley Campground on Palomar Mountain have tested positive for plague.

“We found plague in the same park at this time last year. Campers should avoid contact with squirrels and their fleas,” said Gary Erbeck, director of the Department of Environmental Health.

“Do not put your tents near squirrel burrows,” said Erbeck, “do not feed the squirrels and warn your children not to play with the squirrels.”

Plague is a bacterial disease of wild rodents that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected fleas. To date, there have been no locally acquired human cases of plague reported in San Diego County.

Flea populations are monitored and control measures are taken at this campground, and others, to reduce the potential for human exposure.

Plague warning signs are posted in all areas where plague has been confirmed. Visitors, hikers and campers in rural mountain areas should look for these signs and always follow these precautions to prevent contact with 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.

• Protect pets by keeping them on a leash, using flea control or, best of all, leaving them at home.

• Contact a doctor immediately if one becomes ill within one week of visiting a known plague area. Symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, chills and tender swollen lymph nodes.

• Do not touch sick or dead animals; report them to County Vector Control.

For more information about plague surveillance, call Vector Control at (858) 694-2888 or visit http://www.SDVector.com.