For Immediate Release:

July 19, 2007

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County Public Health officials, and the USDA, Forest Service, have closed all of the Stoneyvale Picnic Area in the Angeles National Forest after tests confirmed that one ground squirrel trapped on July 10 during routine surveillance activities tested positive for plague. The site will be closed for at least 10 days. The day-use recreational site is located approximately 5 miles north of La Cañada/Flintridge. Squirrel burrows in the area have been dusted for fleas. Further testing of squirrels will be done before the area is re-opened to the public.

Only one of 12 squirrels trapped earlier this month was positive. Plague has been shown to be endemic among ground squirrels in the San Gabriel Mountains. Previous routine surveillance identified two plague-positive ground squirrels from the same Stoneyvale Picnic area in 1996, and one positive ground squirrel from an adjacent campground, Vogel Flats, in 1995.

"Plague is a bacterial infection that could be transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, however, it is very 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," said Jonathan E. Fielding, M.D., M.P.H., Director of Public Health and Health Officer.

Transmission of plague through flea bites causes bubonic plague, with symptoms including enlargement of lymph glands (buboes) near the flea bite and rapid onset of fever and chills. Untreated bubonic plague can progress to infection of the blood, or rarely, the lungs, causing pneumonic plague. All forms of the disease can be fatal if not treated; however, most patients respond well to antibiotic therapy.

Individuals visiting recreational areas within the San Gabriel Mountains need to take certain precautions to avoid contact with wild animals that could be carrying plague- positive fleas. Visitors to recreational areas should not feed wild animals, should avoid camping or picnicking in the immediate vicinity of ground squirrel burrows, and should avoid taking pets into areas where they could be exposed to fleas.

"Protection with an insect repellant containing DEET is also recommended for persons visiting the Angeles National Forest and engaging in outside recreational activities in other areas of LA County," said Dr. Fielding. Insect repellant can protect against fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks.

Members of the public who see dead ground squirrels in recreational areas, or who want more information about precautions should contact the LA County Department of Public Health, Vector Management Program: (626) 430-5450.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $700 million. For more information on Public Health, please visit www.lapublichealth.org.

LA County Department of Public Health |

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