California Resident Tests Positive for Plague
A resident in California has tested positive for the plague, with local health officials believing the infection may have come from a flea during a camping trip.
Authorities are advising residents in the area near South Lake Tahoe to “take precautions” when spending time outdoors. Kyle Friflett, the Acting Public Health Director for El Dorado County, emphasized the need for caution in environments where wild rodents are present.
“The plague is naturally occurring in various regions of California,” Friflett noted in a statement. He urged people to keep an eye on both themselves and their pets while engaging in outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, or camping.
This disease is typically linked to bacteria that are carried by rodent species. The plague was first brought to the U.S. in the early 20th century by travelers on ships infested with rats, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the U.S., the number of cases tends to be highest in certain western states, especially New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. Generally, seven cases are reported annually across the nation.
Humans can get infected from flea bites that originate from infected rodents. While there are several forms of plague, the most common is the bubonic variant, which has been the most prevalent in recent years.
Symptoms of the plague often resemble those of common illnesses, featuring fever and nausea, and they typically manifest within two weeks of exposure. Fortunately, the disease isn’t as deadly as it once was during the infamous Black Death in the 14th century, and it can generally be treated effectively with antibiotics.
In recent health reports, there was a case earlier this month in Arizona where a resident died from the plague, marking the first fatality linked to the disease this year. Local officials speculated that a dead prairie dog might have played a role in this incident. Additionally, a few weeks later, a deceased cat in Colorado tested positive for the plague, raising further concerns.
