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Tahoe-Area Campground Closes Due To Plague Threat

RENO, Nev. (AP) -- The U.S. Forest Service has closed a popular campground near Lake Tahoe after health officials found plague at the site.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports that the Fallen Leaf Campground will be closed from June 27 until July 1. While the area is closed, workers will use pesticides to minimize the risk of future plague.

Plague is a bacterial disease that can be spread by flea bites or by direct contact with infected animals. It is often carried by fleas on rodents.

Officials say symptoms of plague in humans include fever, chills, headache and weakness, and that prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly reduces the fatality rate.

Forest Service officials are reminding people not to feed wild rodents or tough sick or injured animals.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

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