California plague case: Lake Tahoe resident bitten by infected flea, contracts plague; patient under medical supervision

California health officials confirmed on Tuesday that a resident of the Lake Tahoe area tested positive for plague after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in South Lake Tahoe.

The patient was recovering at home under the supervision of medical professionals, El Dorado County officials said in a news release. The El Dorado County Environmental Management Division and the Public Health Division added that the individual remained under medical care while continuing recovery.

“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County,” Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado County’s Acting Director of Public Health, said in a statement. “It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking, and or camping in areas where wild rodents are present.”

Health authorities explained that plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is most commonly spread through flea bites . The fleas typically carry the bacteria from infected rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks. Officials warned that pets like dogs and cats could also bring plague-infected fleas into homes.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there’s an average of seven cases of human plague reported annually in the United States.