The attack of the killer squirrels

The plague has been found in a squirrel in Southern California. The plague infected squirrel was found July 16 by the California Plague Surveillance and Control Program. The positive tests prompted the closure of three campgrounds in the Angeles National Forrest. Warning signs were also posted in the area. It is now the duty of the health officials to find the squirrel’s homes and dust them for the fleas that spread Yersinia pestis. Once the testing indicates the area is plague free it will reopen.

This shows that plague is still a concern to worry about. Though plague is easily cured by antibiotics up to 10% of those infected may still die from it. This is much lower than before antibiotics where as many as 60% died. Though the plague is rare in humans now this shows that it persists in animals and that it can easily be found. Even with low death rates it is still a serious infection and because it can be found in animals it is something that we need to always be watchful for. Someone with the proper equipment and training could get many people sick and overwhelm the health system in an area which is the main concern for plague.