A California resident has tested positive for plague.
A release from the Chief Administrative Office in El Dorado County reveals they were notified by the California Department of Public Health that a South Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for plague.
The release continues, "The individual is currently under the care of a medical professional and is recovering at home. It’s believed that the person may have been bitten by an infected flea while camping in South Lake Tahoe area. Health officials are investigating the situation."
The notice adds, "Symptoms of plague usually show up within two weeks of exposure to an infected animal or flea and include fever, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. Plague can be effectively treated with antibiotics if detected early."
According to the release, plague bacteria are most often transmitted by fleas who have bitten infected squirrels, chipmunks and other wild rodents. Those fleas can also sometimes be brought into a home by dogs and cats.
While rare, people have tested positive for plague in El Dorado County before. Back in 2020 there was a reported case, and in 2016 two people were diagnosed with plague. Those were the first reported cases in the area since 2006.
As for tips to avoid contact with plague, the release advises people not to feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents.
It also states, "Never touch sick, injured or dead rodents. Do not allow your pets to play with or pick up sick, injured or dead rodents. Do not camp, sleep or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed. Look for and heed posted warning signs ... If you get sick after being in an area where plague is known to occur, consult a physician and tell them you may have been exposed to plague."
Both state and local health officials will continue to monitor the area for possible additional cases of plague.
