A South Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for plague, a rare disease transmitted by infected flea bites, according to California’s El Dorado County Public Health. It’s believed the infection occurred while the person was camping in the region.
Though plague once caused devastating pandemics, modern antibiotics allow early treatment to be effective and outcomes to be better. Health officials warn residents and visitors to be cautious around fleas and wild rodents outdoors.
The infected individual is recovering at home, and no additional cases have been reported. The CDC reports about seven plague cases yearly in the U.S., mostly in rural Western areas where people encounter wild animals like squirrels and prairie dogs that host fleas.
Plague appears in bubonic and other forms, causing swollen lymph nodes and flu-like symptoms. If treated promptly, it is manageable, but if left unchecked, it becomes more serious.
Officials urge precautions like insect repellents, flea treatments for pets, and avoiding close contact with wild rodents or their nests. Feeding or handling wild animals is discouraged.
Because pets can carry fleas indoors, keeping flea control treatments current is important. States like California and New Mexico occasionally report similar cases linked to outdoor exposure.
Local officials emphasize this is an isolated case, not a community outbreak, but a reminder that plague bacteria remain in natural reservoirs in the West.
The patient remains at home under care, with no need for hospitalization reported.
Public health authorities highlight that modern conditions greatly reduce outbreak risks compared to past centuries.
Anyone developing symptoms following flea or rodent contact should see a doctor promptly to ensure effective treatment.
This case illustrates the need for ongoing awareness of plague risks in certain outdoor environments.
