A California resident has recently tested positive for plague after a camping trip in the South Lake Tahoe area, according to health officials from El Dorado County. The individual, believed to have been bitten by an infected flea during camping, is currently recovering at home under medical supervision. Authorities have been alerted to the case by the California Department of Public Health and are actively investigating the circumstances of the infection. While the identity and exact health condition of the patient have not been disclosed, officials emphasize the importance of prompt medical care, which has proven effective in treating plague with antibiotics.

Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is typically transmitted through bites from infected fleas that have fed on wild rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks. These rodents, prevalent in many parts of California including the higher elevations around El Dorado County, serve as natural reservoirs for the disease. Pets like dogs and cats can inadvertently transport plague-infected fleas into human homes, increasing the risk of exposure. Symptoms of plague manifest within two weeks of exposure and commonly include fever, nausea, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. If detected early, plague can be successfully treated with commonly available antibiotics, reducing the risk of serious complications or death.

The recent case marks the first human plague infection reported in El Dorado County since 2020, with previous occurrences also linked to outdoor exposure in the region. Between 2021 and 2024, local wildlife surveillance detected 41 rodents exposed to the plague bacterium, with four additional positive cases identified in 2025 within the Tahoe Basin. Plague cases in humans in California and other western U.S. states typically number around seven annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Health officials stress the rarity of human infections but caution that plague remains naturally present, urging people to take preventative measures such as avoiding contact with wild rodents and using flea control products on pets.

El Dorado County’s public health acting director, Kyle Fliflet, highlighted the significance of outdoor precautions amid this recent case. Individuals are advised to use insect repellents containing DEET when hiking, camping, or walking in areas where wild rodents live. Removing rodent habitats by clearing brush and debris, along with preventing pets from roaming or sleeping in rodent-prone areas, further reduces risk. The CDC reiterates that early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are critical for recovery. While plague has a notorious historical reputation, modern healthcare practices have made it a manageable and treatable disease when addressed promptly.