Lake Tahoe, CA/NV…Parking areas at the Tallac Historic Site, Kiva Beach/Picnic area and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center reopened yesterday at 7am. The parking areas at the Tallac Historic Site, Kiva Beach/Picnic area and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center were temporarily closed to allow for treatment to mitigate fleas in the area, which have tested positive for Bubonic Plague bacteria.

The Forest Service is working closely with our partners at the California Department of Public Health and we anticipate that these parking areas will reopen before Labor Day weekend.

Visitors should take the following precautions when visiting areas where active Bubonic Plague has been found. Remember to stay on trails and if you must bring your pet, keep them on a short leash and do not let them investigate rodent burrows.

• Avoid contact with wild rodents, which can be infected with fleas
• Do not touch sick/dead rodents
• Report unusual observations to rangers
• Do not camp, sleep/rest near animal burrows
• Wear long pants tucked into boots to reduce exposure to fleas
• Apply insect repellent to socks/pant cuffs
• If possible, leave pets at home

Bubonic Plague is naturally occurring in many parts of California, including the Sierra Nevada, and can be transmitted through bites from infected fleas. Plague is readily treatable when diagnosed early. If you experience any of the following symptoms after recreating in these areas, especially if you have evidence of an insect bite, tell your doctor where you have been and what you have done that may have exposed you to Bubonic Plague.

• Fever/chills
• Muscle aches/weakness
• Swollen/tender lymph nodes

Questions about closures may be directed to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us and more information about the Bubonic Plague bacteria can be found at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Plague.aspx.