More California Rodents Test Positive for Plague

EL DORADO COUNTY – Two more chipmunks have tested positive for plague in the Tahoe area, adding to the one found back in the first week of October, the California Department of Public Health reports.

The California Department of Public Health has been running the tests, with the El Dorado County Department of Environmental Health being notified of the find this week, a release states.

Officials note that 41 rodents were tested as a precaution, thanks to the positive test of the earlier chipmunk. The earlier chipmunk was found at the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center in the Taylor Creek area.

The positive test for plague is to be expected, however, with officials noting that the disease is naturally present throughout California.

Early symptoms of the plague include high fever, chills, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. The plague is curable in its early stages by antibiotics, but it may be deadly if left untreated.

To report a sick or dead rodent, contact El Dorado County Vector Control at (530) 573-3197.  For more information on plague in California, visit the following website: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/discond/Pages/Plague.aspx