The Black Death, or plague, made a return to California last week, affecting a resident of South Lake Tahoe. Health officials stated that the individual contracted this rare illness after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the region. Thankfully, the patient is recovering at home.
Many people link the term “plague” to the devastating event that wiped out millions in Europe during the Middle Ages. However, professor John Swartzberg pointed out that this disease has resurfaced in California several times over the past decade. For instance, there was a case in El Dorado County in 2020 and two reported incidents in 2015, believed to be connected to infected fleas or rodents in Yosemite National Park. All three patients received medical care and recovered fully, according to health authorities.
Despite advancements in medicine making the disease treatable, it’s important to note that it hasn’t been eradicated.
How the Plague Is Contracted
The plague originates from the bacterium Yersinia pestis and primarily impacts small rodents in the U.S., as mentioned by Swartzberg. It spreads to humans and pets through infected flea bites or close contact with sick rodents.
There are three types of plague:
- Bubonic plague, characterized by swollen lymph nodes.
- Septicemic plague, where the infection spreads throughout the body.
- Pneumonic plague, which infects the lungs.
Over 80% of U.S. plague cases are the bubonic form. In Los Angeles County, wild rodents in rural areas are the main carriers. These include creatures like chipmunks, wood rats, mice, and marmots. Most plague cases occur when individuals hike or camp in these areas, unknowingly encountering an infected flea, according to Ashok Chopra, a microbiology professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Where the Plague Could Be Contracted in Southern California
Public health experts indicate that the plague can be found in foothills, plateaus, mountains, and coastal regions, although it’s largely absent from southeastern deserts and the Central Valley. Rural recreational areas in Los Angeles County, notably the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains, carry the highest risk. Residents or visitors in areas with infected wild rodents are at a greater risk, especially those living in close quarters with rats.
Why the Plague Has Stuck Around
Although there have been various vaccine candidates designed to prevent the plague, none hold FDA approval. It’s not deemed a priority for infectious disease specialists and public health officials since it’s currently manageable. On average, only about seven cases of plague occur annually in the U.S.
The disease is treatable with antibiotics, and with prompt care, there’s little cause for alarm. However, if neglected, it can be deadly.
