A resident of South Lake Tahoe, California, has tested positive for the plague, according to local health officials. The individual, who is now recovering at home under medical supervision, is believed to have been infected after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the region. The case highlights the continued presence of plague in parts of California, particularly in mountainous areas where wild rodents are common.
Details of the Case
El Dorado County’s public health department confirmed the diagnosis after being notified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Investigators believe the resident contracted the disease in the South Lake Tahoe area, a popular recreation spot. While rare, human cases of plague can occur when fleas transmit the bacterium Yersinia pestis from infected rodents such as squirrels, chipmunks, or other wildlife.
Risk and Prevention
Authorities emphasized that plague is naturally present in several high-elevation areas of California. Kyle Fliflet, acting director of public health in El Dorado County, urged residents and visitors to take precautions, particularly when hiking, camping, or walking in areas where wild rodents live. Officials advised avoiding contact with rodent burrows and preventing pets from approaching them, as dogs and cats can bring infected fleas into homes.
Understanding the Disease
Plague is rare but potentially serious if untreated. Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of exposure and include fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are usually effective. According to the CDC, the United States sees an average of seven human plague cases per year, most in western states.
Recent Surveillance and History
Monitoring efforts by CDPH found 41 rodents exposed to plague between 2021 and 2024 in El Dorado County. In 2025 alone, four rodents have tested positive within the Tahoe Basin. The region has faced human cases before, including one in 2020 linked to South Lake Tahoe and two cases in 2015 associated with Yosemite National Park. In 2021, several Lake Tahoe sites were temporarily closed after plague was detected in chipmunks. Colorado also reported a human case in 2024.
While human cases of plague remain extremely rare, this recent infection serves as a reminder of the risks in areas where the bacterium is naturally present. Health officials stress the importance of preventive measures for both people and pets to reduce exposure. Continued surveillance and awareness are key to managing the presence of plague in California’s wilderness regions.