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.''