California Resident Tests Positive for Plague After Camping

A resident of California has tested positive for the plague, likely due to a flea bite received during a camping trip to Lake Tahoe, as confirmed by health officials.

The Eldorado County Health and Human Services Agency reported this finding on Tuesday, stating that the individual is currently recovering at home while under medical observation.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been alerted about the situation, prompting local officials to launch an investigation.

“It is believed that the flea bite occurred while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area,” stated the county in a recent news release.

Plague bacteria are typically transmitted through fleas that have fed on infected wildlife, such as squirrels or chipmunks. Historically, from 2021 to 2024, El Dorado County recorded 41 rodents showing signs of plague exposure, and, alarmingly, four additional plague-positive rodents have been found in the Tahoe Basin this year.

Despite this concerning incident, it’s worth noting that human infections of the plague are quite rare in the United States, averaging around seven cases annually, with the majority occurring in the western regions, particularly New Mexico and Arizona.

Symptoms of the plague can manifest as fever, headaches, chills, and swollen lymph nodes, which can escalate into more severe conditions without appropriate treatment.

“Plague is naturally occurring in several areas of California, including the higher elevation zones of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Friflett, a representative director of public health in the county. “It’s crucial for people and their pets to be vigilant while outdoors, especially in environments where wild rodents might be present.”

Previous human cases in the area have traced back to 2020, and a significant incident in 2015 involved two individuals who contracted the plague from infected rodents or fleas in Yosemite National Park. Fortunately, both recovered post-treatment.

The investigation into the recent case at Lake Tahoe is still ongoing. According to Eldorado Deputy Director Carla Hass, “The individual is doing well and receiving medical care.”