California Plague Case: Camper Tests Positive
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Plague Case Confirmed in South Lake Tahoe: What You Need to Know
By Dr. Jennifer Chen,Pulitzer-winning Chief Editor
A California resident has tested positive for plague,local authorities announced this week.The individual, a resident of South Lake Tahoe, is recovering at home under medical care, according to a statement released Tuesday by El Dorado County health officials.
Health officials believe the person was likely bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area, a popular recreation spot in the California mountains. An investigation is underway.
“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California,including higher-elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Fliflet,El Dorado CountyS acting director of public health. “It’s vital that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and/or camping in areas where wild rodents are present.”
The plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is most often transmitted by fleas that have acquired the bacteria from infected squirrels,chipmunks,and other wild rodents. Dogs and cats can also carry infected fleas into the home.
While human cases of plague are extremely rare, they can be very serious. Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of exposure and include fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. However,if detected early,the plague can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) routinely monitors rodent populations across the state for plague activity. Surveillance in El Dorado County from 2021 through 2024 identified 41 rodents that showed evidence of exposure to the plague bacterium. So far in 2025, four rodents have tested positive, all within the Tahoe Basin.
This isn’t the frist time the region has seen a plague case. The last confirmed human case in El Dorado county was in 2020, also believed to be linked to exposure in the Tahoe area. Prior to that, cases were reported in 2015.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Your Pets:
Avoid contact with wild rodents and their burrows.
Keep pets away from rodent burrows.
Use insect repellent containing DEET.
Treat pets for fleas regularly.
Report any sick or dead rodents to local health officials.
If you experience symptoms of plague, seek medical attention instantly.Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a full recovery.
Resources:
El Dorado County Health Services: https://www.edcgov.us/government/health
california department of Public Health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/plague/index.html