Sorry, This Lake Tahoe Beach Is Closed Due to the Plague

Areas of Lake Tahoe have shut down after multiple chipmunks recently tested positive for the plague, according to the Tahoe Daily Tribune. 

This is not the first time that the plague has been detected in parts of California. The plague is naturally present in the sunshine state and is often found in rodents such as chipmunks or squirrels, or even their fleas. 

According to local officials, the chipmunks who tested positive did not have any human contact. The Tahoe Daily Tribune reports that officials have closed Kiva Beach, as well as the nearby Taylor Creek Visitor Center and parking areas. El Dorado County officials did not respond to Motherboard’s request for comment.

Humans are generally advised against coming into contact with rodents in the area to avoid contracting the virus. Cautionary signs have been installed around the park over the years.

Officials from the El Dorado County Public Health department say that human cases of the plague are rare despite its natural presence in the area. 

According to a report from the California Department of Public Health, 63 human plague cases have been reported in California from 1927 to 2019. Almost all of the cases could be tied to rodent activity. 

A South Lake Tahoe resident tested positive for the plague just last year. According to the press statement released at the time, they most likely contracted it from an infected flea while walking their dog in the area. They are only the third person to contract it since 2015, when two humans were exposed to it. Both were successfully treated, however.

Symptoms of the plague can begin appearing two weeks after infection and include fever, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and weakness. It can be successfully treated with antibiotics if detected early enough. 

Hikers are advised not to feed or come into contact with wild rodents while out in the area. They are also warned against letting their pets travel without a leash or get too close to dead rodents or rodent burrows. According to the El Dorado County website, cats pose a higher risk of transmission. 

Routine vector control operations will be completed in the next few days. Local officials estimate that the park will be ready to reopen by the weekend.