A Rare But Serious Illness Returns to California

A South lake Tahoe resident ‍is recovering from‍ a ⁢confirmed ⁣case of plague, a⁣ disease more commonly associated with medieval history than‍ modern-day California. Health officials believe the infection stemmed from⁣ a flea bite sustained⁢ while camping in the area.While rare,‌ this ⁣case serves as a crucial reminder of ⁣the ongoing ⁢presence of plague in certain regions of the state and the importance of preventative measures.

How Plague Spreads and What to Watch For

Plague is caused by the⁣ bacterium yersinia pestis,primarily spread to humans through the bites of‌ infected⁤ fleas. It can ⁢also be ⁢contracted through direct contact with infected rodents – including squirrels,chipmunks,and prairie dogs – or by handling sick or⁢ dead animals.⁢ According to the California Department of⁣ Public Health, rodent populations in the Lake tahoe Basin have ⁤been monitored since 2021, with 45 ground squirrels and chipmunks showing evidence of exposure to‌ the plague bacterium.

There are three main forms of‌ plague:

• Bubonic ‌Plague: The most common form (over 80% of⁢ U.S. cases), characterized by swollen, painful lymph ⁣nodes (buboes) in the groin, armpit, or neck. symptoms typically⁤ develop within 2-8 days of exposure and include fever, headache, chills, and weakness.
• Septicemic Plague: Occurs when the bacteria enter‌ the bloodstream, leading to fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain, shock,⁢ and bleeding into the skin ⁢and other organs.
• Pneumonic ‍Plague: The most severe and least ‍common form, affecting the lungs. It​ can develop‍ as a complication of ⁣bubonic‍ or septicemic plague,or through ⁢direct inhalation of infectious droplets. Pneumonic plague is the only form that can‍ spread from person to person.

A recent, tragic example of pneumonic plague ⁣occurred in ‍July when a resident of Northern‌ Arizona died from⁤ the disease, ‍highlighting its potential severity.

Treatment and‌ Prevention: Staying Safe ⁤Outdoors

The good‍ news is that plague is treatable with readily available antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical⁢ for⁤ a⁢ full recovery, according to ⁣the U.S. centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The patient in South Lake Tahoe is ‍currently​ under medical care and recovering at home.

El dorado​ County ‌health officials are urging residents and visitors to take ​the following precautions:

• Wear long ⁢pants tucked into boots when hiking or walking ‍in wooded areas.
• Use insect repellent‌ containing DEET.
• Avoid contact with wild rodents and their ⁣burrows.
• Do not feed rodents.
• Keep pets ⁢away from rodent⁢ habitats ‌and ‌consider leaving ⁤them at home ⁢during outdoor excursions.

A History⁣ of Plague in⁣ California and ​Beyond

While the image of⁤ the “Black Death” – which decimated Europe in⁤ the 14th century, killing an estimated 25 million people – may seem distant, plague has⁤ a history ‍in the United States as ‍well. The last urban rat-infected plague ‍outbreak in the U.S. occurred ‌in Los angeles in 1924-1925. More⁢ recently, California ⁤has ‌seen sporadic cases, including two reported in Yosemite ‍National Park in 2015 and another in El ⁣Dorado County in ⁢2020. On average, only seven⁣ cases⁤ of⁣ plague are‌ reported annually ⁤in the U.S.