The State - News from Aug. 20, 1989

Fleas carrying bubonic plague have been found on squirrels at two campgrounds in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild, said Riverside County health officials. James Lang, public health entomologist for the county health department, warned campers and hikers not to feed, touch or even get close to squirrels in the area. The two campgrounds where 10 squirrels tested positive for the plague-carrying fleas during the last two months were Boulder Basin and Stone Creek. Boulder Basin is about six miles north of Idyllwild and Stone Creek is four miles north of the mountain town. Symptoms of the disease are a reddening of the area around a flea bite, followed by flu-like symptoms. The plague can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.