Health Officials Issue Plague Warning
38 Cases Reported Since 1970

July 3, 2002

LOS ANGELES -- State health officials issued a warning Wednesday to people planning to be outdoors this holiday weekend to guard against bubonic plague, which is carried by rodents in foothills, mountains and along coastal areas.


Since 1970, 38 cases of the plague in humans have been reported statewide. The most recent report was in 2000 when a Kern County man survived the sometimes deadly disease by taking antibiotics, said Ken August of the California Department of Health Services.

Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, weakness and swollen glands.

State officials offered these plague-avoidance tips for travelers:

* Don't take pets, especially cats, on camping trips because they attract fleas that carry the plague.
* Avoid contact with rodents, especially dead or sick animals.
* Avoid rodent burrows.
* Tuck pants into boots and use insect repellent.

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