California camper tests positive for plague after flea bite in South Lake Tahoe area

A California resident from the Lake Tahoe area has tested positive for the plague, reportedly contracted after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in South Lake Tahoe, as stated by local health officials. The patient is currently recuperating at home under medical supervision, according to ABC News. This recent case marks the first in the area since 2020, highlighting the plague's presence in the region.

The plague, caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, is transmitted through bites from infected fleas or contact with infected animals, according to CNN. In less than two weeks of being exposed to the plague, some symptoms may start to show, including bodily weakness, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.   

While it is a serious ailment, the plague can be treated quickly with antibiotics if done early. There are, on average, seven human cases reported annually in the United States, with most infections occurring in rural areas of the western states.

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To mitigate plague risk, the CDC advises reducing potential rodent habitats, applying insect repellents like DEET, and utilizing flea control products on pets. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid contact with wild rodents, especially those that are dead or injured, and ensure pets do not roam freely in areas where plague is endemic. El Dorado County’s acting director of public health, Kyle Fliflet, emphasized the importance of precautions for personal and pet safety while outdoors, as reported by NBC News.

California's Department of Public Health continues to keep watch over the rodent populations, documenting four infected rodents in the Tahoe Basin this year alone. Prior vigilance and precautionary habits remain vital in preventing the spread of this ancient yet treatable disease.