Attack of Alvin & the chipmunks

[Guest guest]

CBS 2 - KCAL 9 - Los Angeles - Southern California -

LA

 

Jul 17, 2006

Officials Issue Plague Warning In Rural Areas

 

(CBS) LOS ANGELES

Those visiting rural areas this summer should take

precautions to avoid contracting bubonic plague, the

state Department of Health warned Monday.

 

A Los Angeles woman was hospitalized in April after

becoming infected with the potentially fatal bacterial

disease. It was the first reported case in Los Angeles

County since 1984.

 

Bubonic plague is spread by squirrels, chipmunks and

other wild rodents and their fleas, according to Dr.

Mark Horton, a state public health officer. When an

infected rodent becomes sick and dies, its fleas carry

the infection to other warm-blooded animals, including

humans.

 

People can also be exposed through infected cats,

which are highly susceptible to the disease.

 

" Individuals can greatly reduce their risk of becoming

infected with plague by taking simple precautions,

including avoiding contact with wild rodents, " Horton

said. " Do not feed rodents in picnic or campground

areas and never handle sick or dead rodents. "

 

Early symptoms of plague include high fever, chills,

nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes in the neck,

armpit or groin. The disease is curable in its early

stages with proper treatment, but may be fatal if left

untreated.

 

Plague-infected animal are most likely to be found in

California’s foothills, mountains and along the coast,

while the desert and Central Valley regions are

considered low-risk regions, Horton said.

 

So far this year, plague activity has been detected in

animals in Inyo, Mariposa, Mono, Plumas and Sierra

counties. Since 1970, there have been 42 human cases

of the plague reported in California.

 

Those hiking or camping in plague-prone areas should:

 

- Avoid rodent burrows.

- Wear long pants tucked into boot tops to reduce

exposure to fleas.

- Spray insect repellant containing DEET on socks and

trouser cuffs.

- Keep wild rodents out of homes, trailers and away

from pets.

 

(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc.

© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc

http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_198195236.html