Published
1 month agoon
Hikers, beware: The atmospheric rivers that drenched California this winter have produced what the California Poison Control System is calling a “bumper crop’ of poison oak that’s flourishing in grassy hillsides, forests, recreation areas, and coastal locations.
The CPCS says the plant is a serious threat, especially to those who are allergic to it.
It’s identifiable not only for its leaf structure — as the hikers’ saying goes, “leaves of 3, let it be” — but also for its climbing, vinelike appearance. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources in Davis says it forms a dense, leafy shrub that can stand as tall as 6 feet high, with either glossy or dull leaves. The stalk of the central leaflet in the three-leaf cluster is longer than the other two.
Dr. Rais Vorha, medical director for the Fresno/Madera division of the CPCS, says that you can be contaminated by poison oak not only by touching the plant directly but also by touching clothing, shoes, gloves, pets, and tools that have come in contact with the plant.
“Even smoke from burning plants can cause irritation,” he said.
Exposure in allergic individuals can result in a rash erupting one to six days after exposure that will itch and form water blisters.
For more information, visit the CPCS poison oak website or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Nancy Price is a multimedia journalist for GV Wire. A longtime reporter and editor who has worked for newspapers in California, Florida, Alaska, Illinois and Kansas, Nancy joined GV Wire in July 2019. She previously worked as an assistant metro editor for 13 years at The Fresno Bee. Nancy earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Her hobbies include singing with the Fresno Master Chorale and volunteering with Fresno Filmworks. You can reach Nancy at 559-492-4087 or Send an Email