Ground squirrel found on Palomar Mountain has tested positive for plague; county issues warning to hikers, campers

NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY - A ground squirrel trapped during routine monitoring at the Cedar Grove Campground on Palomar Mountain has tested positive for plague, County vector control officials announced today, May 3.

Environmental health officials said the public could take simple steps to protect themselves from possible exposure when camping and visiting parks.

“It is not unusual to find plague in our local mountains in the summer months, so campers should always avoid contact with squirrels and their fleas,” said Jack Miller, Director of the Department of Environmental Health. “Set up tents a...