Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Health officials in California have confirmed a rare case of plague in a resident of the Lake Tahoe region, marking the state’s first human infection of the disease in several years. According to El Dorado County Public Health, the individual is believed to have contracted the illness after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area.
The patient, whose identity has not been disclosed, is currently recovering at home under medical supervision. Local health authorities say there is no immediate public health risk, but they are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant when spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or rural areas.
“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Fliflet, the county’s acting director of public health. “It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking, or camping in areas where wild rodents are present.”
Plague, a disease historically associated with the Black Death of the Middle Ages, is still found today in various parts of the western United States, although human cases are extremely rare. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the nation sees an average of just seven human cases each year.
The infection is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is typically spread through bites from infected fleas or through direct contact with infected animals, particularly wild rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks. Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of exposure and include fever, chills, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. When identified early, plague can be effectively treated with standard antibiotics.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) actively monitors rodent populations for plague activity. So far this year, four rodents in the Tahoe Basin have tested positive for the plague bacteria, prompting increased public awareness efforts. The last confirmed human case in El Dorado County was reported in 2020.
In response to the latest case, health officials are emphasizing the importance of preventive measures, especially for those who spend time in the backcountry or allow their pets to roam freely. Recommended precautions include:
- Avoiding contact with wild rodents and never feeding them
- Using insect repellents containing DEET on skin and clothing
- Keeping pets on leashes and treating them with veterinary-approved flea control products
- Preventing pets that have roamed outdoors from sleeping in beds with humans
- Reducing rodent habitats around the home by clearing brush, woodpiles, and junk
While the risk to the general public remains low, authorities are reminding the public that awareness and proper preventive measures are the best defense against this ancient, but still present, disease.
For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the CDPH and CDC websites or contact local health departments.
