Local News in Brief : Plague Found in Animals

Los Angeles County health officials are conducting investigations of sylvatic plague in animals found in four hilly areas.

Evidence of exposure was found in a ground squirrel and coyote in Griffith Park, in two stray dogs in Topanga and Santa Clarita and in a domestic cat in Rancho Palos Verdes. The disease, which in humans usually occurs as bubonic plague, can be transmitted by bites from infected fleas.

While potentially fatal to humans, bubonic plague can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Symptoms include enlarged lymph glands near a flea bite and rapid onset of fever and chills. Officials urged the public to avoid wild animals, especially ground squirrels, when camping or picnicking in these areas.