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.