Skip to main content

Plague Prompts Closure of Angeles National Forest Campsites

Support Provided By
Table Mountain campground. | Photo: Courtesy Recreation.gov

Plague is found in animals throughout California, but it's not that common. It's even less common for it to be transferred to humans. Nonetheless, when an animal tests positive, public health agencies can take action. Such is the case this week when L.A. County and the U.S. Forest Service closed sites at an Angeles National Forest campground.On Tuesday, a ground squirrel trapped and tested was found to have the disease, prompting the closure of the three southern loops -- Broken Blade, Twisted Arrow, and Pima -- at Table Mountain campground near Wrightwood. The remaining loops -- Mojave Rim, Cherokee Lane, Zuni, and Apache -- are open, although the Forest Service is still taking reservations online for all loops.

The closure will remain for at least seven days while official dust squirrel burrows for fleas and conduct more tests.

"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," said Jonathan E. Fielding, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "It is important for the public to know that there have only been four cases of human plague in Los Angeles County residents since 1984, none of which were fatal."

Symptoms for plague include enlarged lymph glands and a quick onset of fever and chills, according to the county health department. It can infect the blood and sometimes the lungs, causing pneumonic plague.

Previous findings of the disease in L.A. County include near the cities of Gorman (2010) and La Cañada/Flintridge (1996, 2007). Throughout California in 2012, 36 animals tested positive for plague antibodies in their system and one tested positive for the bacteria, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Also: Ticks Test Positive for Lyme Disease in Santa Monica Mountains

Like SoCal Wanderer on Facebook and follow @SoCal_Wanderer on Twitter.

Support Provided By
Read More
In “Obet and Del’s: The Coffee Shop Changing the Game in Hollywood” host Rosey Alvero sits down to talk with coffee shop owner Heather Knox.

Sip, Snack and Stroll Your Way Through Thai Town and East Hollywood (But First, Coffee)

Explore Thai Town and East Hollywood with all of its delicious, boozy and vintage offerings. But before you start wandering, charge up with a coffee from Obet & Del's, a neighborhood coffee haven serving up café drinks inspired by Southeast Asian culture.
In "The Tree Yoga Cooperative: Find Wellness in South LA" host Rosey Alvero takes a yoga class.

Find Flow, Practice Mindfulness and Engage in Self-Care at These South L.A. Hidden Gems

The Tree Yoga Collective is providing a self-care resource to its South Los Angeles community with a focus on equitable access to mindfulness, meditation, and flow. Here are some other South L.A. hidden gems for fostering inner peace, too — including a healthy dose of nature, plant-based cuisine and caffeine.
In "Babes of Wellness: Working Out for Health and Community in Compton" host Rosey Alvero lifts weights in the gym's "Swole Babes" class.

Get 'Swole' at Babes of Wellness, Plus Other Ways to Nourish Your Mind and Body in Compton

SoCal Wanderer host Rosey Alvero takes you to Babes of Wellness, an inclusive gym for women in Compton — where you can discover other ways of finding strength and power by feeding your body and mind.