Yosemite Community:
We want to keep you informed about a recent public health incident. A case of plague was recently confirmed in a visitor that visited Yosemite National Park, Stanislaus National Forest, and the surrounding areas in mid-July. The patient is a minor and is recovering. The patient camped in Crane Flat Campground, and went to several locations in Yosemite.
The park is working with state health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify where the individual was infected, but the location of exposure cannot be confirmed at this time. Please read the following message and ensure you are aware of the risks and prevention measures to protect yourselves and visitors from plague.
The park is working with local, state, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public health officials to investigate this case and evaluate public health risk and prevention measures. The park conducts routine vector borne disease surveillance with the California Department of Public Health, including plague surveillance in rodents. A press release has been issued. If you have additional questions, please contact your supervisor or Matthew Weinburke, US Public Health Service Officer for Yosemite.
The safety of our staff, partners, and visitors is our top priority. Please review the additional information below and share this information with your staff.
Thank you,
- Don, on behalf of the Executive Leadership Team