(FOX40.COM) — El Dorado County Health officials were notified by the California Department of Public Health that a South Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for Plague after possibly being bitten by a flea.
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According to the El Dorado County Environmental Management Division and Public Health Division, the person may have been bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area.
At this time, the individual is under the care of a medical professional and is recovering at home. Health officials continue to investigate the situation.
“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado 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, and or camping in areas where wild rodents are present.”
Health officials said that plague is caused by the bacterium called “Yersinia Pestis.” Plague bacteria are mostly transmitted by the bits of fleas that have the bacteria from infected squirrels, chipmunks, and other wild rodents.
Dogs and cats may also bring plague-infected fleas into the home, according to health officials. People can get plague when they are bitten by infected fleas.
“Plague can be prevented by avoiding contact with wild rodents, and by keeping pets away from rodent burrows,” public health officials said.
Authorities said the symptoms of plague will usually show up within two weeks of exposure to an infected animal or flea, which include fever, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. The plague can be treated effectively with antibiotics if symptoms are shown early.
Officials said CHPD has been monitoring rodent populations for plague activity in California and closely coordinating with health officials. A camera footage shows activities in El Doardo County from 2021 through 2024, which resulted in finding 41 rodents with evidence of being exposed to the plague bacterium.
In 2025, El Doardo County health officials said four additional rodents have tested positive and have been odentofoied in the Tahoe Basin.
The name of the person who was infected by the plague will not be released, said Carla B. Hass, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.
Here are some tips health officials share to prevent the plague.
- Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks, or other wild rodents.
- 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.
- Wear long pants tucked into boot tops and spray insect repellent containing DEET on socks and pant cuffs to reduce exposure to fleas.
- Leave pets at home if possible; otherwise, keep pets on a leash. Do not allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or explore rodent burrows.
- Protect pets with flea control products.
- Pet cats are highly susceptible to plague and can pose a direct threat to humans. Keep cats away from rodents. Consult a veterinarian if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents.
- 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.
For more information about the plague, click here.
Adoreil Ayoubgoulan
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