Let me get this straight: We are in the XXIth Century, we have conquered the moon, we have developed nuclear technology, we even have robots and we have eradicated most infectious diseases, Yersinia pestis included (that is, for those who don’t know, the bubonic plague). So can anyone explain to me how the hell is this possible? Bubonic plague!? WTF!?
No human casualties have been reported so far, but I’m not so sure how long until the first one is reported. This outbreak is in a campground visited by people, so there’s a big chance that someone get infected anytime now.

Also, I read just now that there are a bunch of cases in Peru as well, you can read more here: Peru plague outbreak kills 1, infects at least 31. I find it really hard to believe that the cases are unrelated, they have to have the same origin! We are in the XXIth century and this is not a common disease this days.

Hit the break to learn more about the Sierra Campground outbreak.

Blue jays cruised looking for an easy meal and the fat trout beckoned from the creek, but up the road at the Upper Jamison Creek Campground the “closed’ sign told it all.

Last night nearly half of the 70 campsites here were occupied. By noon today it was empty. A dead rodent had been found here and that rodent had tested positive for bubonic plague. The campground was closed.

The closure came as a surprise, and not a pleasant one, to visitors who had planned their vacation around a stay in this campground.

Those who were here were told to leave. Those who, like the Bui family from Sacramento, arrived expecting to find the campsite they had reserved months before were faced with a sudden change of plans.

There’s an abundance of caution being taken here. Most Sierra rodents have fleas and fleas can carry the plague, but although the disease is present throughout the Sierra, human cases are rare. The last reported here was more than 30 years ago.

Still, anytime a squirrel or chipmunk gets close to a person there’s a danger and we’ve all seen that happen. Campers often coax the little rodents in closer, tempting them with food.

“People like squirrels and chipmunks because they’re cute,” says Rominger, “and they want to feed them, but they shouldn’t.

If the idea was to calm me, that didn’t curb my paranoia. It probably made it worst. As a matter of a fact, I was planning to start a rat farm in case the governments substitute the real meat with artificial meat like they plan to. Can you imagine what would happen if those rats had the plague!? That wouldn’t be cool… That wouldn’t be cool at all!  That would be the worst BBQ EVER!!!

Go to kolotv.com to read more about how Sierra Campground Closed by Bubonic Plague

Or visit Wikipedia.org to read more about the bubonic plague and its symptoms: Bubonic plague (Not recommendable if you are hypochondriac)

While you read, I will be canceling the order for 50 baby rats for my farm. The pet store guys will be piiiiissed!

Illustration courtesy of paranormalgirl.com