Eldorado County Reports Plague Cases Linked to Flea Bites
Eldorado County health officials provided updates on Tuesday regarding a few individuals who have tested positive for the plague. These individuals are currently recovering at home under medical supervision. This information stems from announcements made by the El Dorado County Environmental Management and Public Health departments, following notifications from the California Department of Health. Details about the patients, including their identities and health status, have not been disclosed.
According to the press release, “It seems a flea bite may have been involved, as the infections were linked to a camping trip in the South Lake Tahoe area. Investigations are ongoing.” The transmission of plague often occurs through fleas that have fed on infected animals like squirrels, chipmunks, and other small rodents. Pets such as dogs and cats can also carry fleas back into the home.
Public health officials emphasized the potential risks, noting that “the plague is naturally present in many regions of California, especially in the higher elevations of El Dorado County.” Kyle Friflett, the county’s Director of Public Health, highlighted the importance of being vigilant about both personal safety and the well-being of pets while engaging in outdoor activities in rodent-populated areas.
From 2021 to 2024, routine monitoring revealed 41 rodents showing signs of plague exposure within the county. In 2025, four more human cases emerged in the Tahoe Basin. While cases in humans are quite rare here, the last recorded instance took place in 2020. Prior to that, in 2015, two individuals tested positive after an exposure incident at Yosemite National Park; thankfully, all recovered.
Symptoms of the plague generally manifest within two weeks and may include fever, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Early diagnosis combined with antibiotic treatment can be quite effective.
Health officials recommend taking precautions like avoiding contact with wild rodents, wearing long pants tucked into boots, and employing insect repellents when outdoors, among other safety measures.
