May 20 2006
Bubonic Plague Update - All is ClearAccording to an Associated Press report, the campground at Natural Bridges National Monument has re-opened after being closed due to a bubonic plague scare. It was closed for three weeks because bubonic plague had been detected in field mice and chipmunks.
The area was thoroughly doused with insecticides to kill fleas that carry the plague. After follow-up tests, Natural Bridges was cleared to reopen the campsite.
Bubonic Plague Causes Closure of Utah Campground
A campground at Natural Bridges National Monumentwas recently closed due to identification of bubonic plague in some chipmunks and mice there. This spring bubonic plague was also identified among rodents at Mesa Verde National Park and Colorado National Monument.
According to the Rare Diseases site on About.com, Bubonic plague is a potentially fatal bacterial infection. It causes swollen, tender lymph nodes, high fever, and chills. The infected person may develop serious illnesses such as pneumonia, blood poisoning, or meningitis.
It is not usually found among humans. Bubonic plague is not spread from person to person. Small rodents such as rats, mice, and squirrels carry the infection. Fleas that live on these animals become infected, too, so people may get the bacteria from flea bites or from direct contact with an infected animal.
Plague occurs throughout the West, but is concentrated in the Four Corners area of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. National Park Service officials said there never has been a reported human case of bubonic plague originating from the parks or national monuments. Nevertheless, officials at Natural Bridges are taking action. Currently they are spraying insecticides to kill fleas in the campground area. Fairly quickly the campgrounds will open. They will then monitor and check for fleas and any further concerns with dead rodents.
NAID Fact Sheet
For updates, see the Natural Bridges website.
