California Campgrounds Close Due to Bubonic Plague

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Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

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Did you know that the plague still exists? It does, and it can be transmitted by flea bites. The Los Angeles Times reports that a squirrel in Angeles National Forest tested positive for plague, and as a precaution, three campgrounds in the park will be closed for at least a week while squirrel habitats are treated for fleas.

Health officials are concerned that the squirrels can infect fleas, which can then infect humans via biting, which can result in bubonic plague. Not to worry, though, the plague can generally be treated with antibiotics these days!

The areas that are closed are the Twisted Arrow, Broken Blade and Pima Loops of the Table Mountain campgrounds.

You can stay safe from the disease in the wild by using an insect repellent containing DEET, and by using a flea treatment on household pets. (DEET is not safe for animals, you’ll need to use an animal-friendly product.)

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