California resident tests positive for the plague. Officials blame Lake Tahoe flea

Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 2:20 am

California Resident Contracts Plague, Officials Blame Flea Bite

A resident of South Lake Tahoe, California, has tested positive for the plague, a rare but serious disease. Health officials believe the individual contracted the illness after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area. The patient is currently recovering at home under medical care.

The El Dorado County health officials have confirmed the presence of the plague in the region, particularly in higher-elevation areas. The disease is caused by the bacterium *Yersinia pestis* and is most commonly transmitted through flea bites. It can also spread through contact with infected rodents or pets.

While the plague is a serious illness, it is treatable with readily available antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for a full recovery. The CDC reports that the disease is uncommon, with an average of seven cases per year in the U.S.

This is not the first instance of plague in the area. The last reported case in El Dorado County was in 2020, also believed to have originated in the South Lake Tahoe area. In 2015, two cases were reported in California, likely linked to flea or rodent bites in Yosemite National Park. All previous patients in these cases recovered fully.

The California Department of Public Health monitors rodent populations for plague activity. From 2021 to the present, evidence of exposure to the plague bacterium was recorded in 45 ground squirrels or chipmunks in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Health officials are urging residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid exposure to rodents and fleas. Recommendations include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, avoiding contact with rodents, and refraining from camping near animal burrows.

BNN's Perspective:

The resurgence of the plague, even in isolated cases, serves as a reminder of the importance of public health vigilance. While the disease is treatable, the potential for serious complications underscores the need for proactive measures and public awareness. It is crucial for both residents and visitors to heed the health officials' recommendations to minimize the risk of exposure.

Keywords: plague, California, South Lake Tahoe, flea bite, Yersinia pestis, El Dorado County, CDC, disease, infection, rodents, camping, public health, antibiotics, bubonic plague

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