A South lake tahoe resident has been diagnosed with the plague, according to El Dorado County health officials. The individual, whose identity has not been released, is receiving medical treatment and is currently recovering at home under the care of a healthcare professional.Authorities believe the resident may have contracted the disease after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area. An investigation is underway to determine the exact source of exposure.Plague Naturally Present in California’s Higher Elevations“Plague is naturally present in many regions of California, especially in higher elevation areas such as El Dorado County,” explained Kyle Fliflet, Acting Director of Public Health for the county. “It is vital that people take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors—whether walking, hiking, or camping—particularly in areas where wild rodents live.”The plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, which is most commonly transmitted through flea bites. These fleas often acquire the bacteria from infected rodents such as squirrels, chipmunks, and other wild animals.Symptoms and Treatment OptionsSymptoms of plague usually appear within two weeks of exposure to an infected flea or animal. Common signs include fever, chills, nausea, weakness, and painful, swollen lymph nodes. Fortunately, the disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics when detected early, greatly reducing the risk of severe illness.Previous Cases and Safety RecommendationsThis is the first confirmed case of plague in El Dorado County since 2020, when another patient was believed to have contracted the disease in the South Lake Tahoe region. While cases remain rare, health officials stress the importance of avoiding direct contact with rodents and their fleas.Authorities recommend that residents and visitors:
- Never feed squirrels or other wild rodents.
- Avoid touching injured or dead rodents.
- Keep pets from playing with sick, injured, or dead wildlife.
