• A South Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for plague, likely contracted from a flea bite.
• The individual is under medical supervision and recovering at home.
• Health officials emphasize taking precautions against exposure to fleas and rodents.
• Plague can be treated effectively with antibiotics when diagnosed early.
• The disease is naturally present in many areas of California.

A resident of South Lake Tahoe, California, has tested positive for plague following a flea bite believed to have occurred while camping. The individual is currently recovering at home under medical supervision, according to El Dorado County health officials. Kyle Fliflet, the county’s acting director of public health, stated, "Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County," highlighting the need for precautions when outdoors, especially in areas with wild rodents, according to latimes, abcnews, and newsweek.

The plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is primarily transmitted to humans through bites from infected fleas that typically inhabit rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks. While the risk to the public remains low, health authorities recommend avoiding contact with wild rodents and adopting preventive measures during outdoor activities. Health officials noted that dogs and cats could also bring infected fleas into homes, increasing the risk of transmission, according to sfgate, indiatimes, and abcnews.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there are generally about seven cases of human plague reported annually in the U.S. The disease, while rarely encountered today, remains serious and can be treated effectively with antibiotics if diagnosed promptly. Symptoms typically include fever, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes, appearing within two weeks of exposure, according to latimes, sfgate, and indiatimes.