Plague Case in South Lake Tahoe Highlights Ongoing Risk in El Dorado County

A resident of South Lake Tahoe has been diagnosed with the plague, possibly contracted from an infected flea bite while camping, as confirmed by local health officials. The individual, currently under medical care and recovering at home, serves as a rare reminder of the enduring presence of this disease in certain regions.

The bacterium responsible for the plague, Yersinia pestis, is most commonly transmitted through fleas that have fed on infected rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks. Health experts emphasize the importance of precautions to minimize the risk of exposure, particularly in higher elevation areas of El Dorado County, California, where the disease is naturally found.

Typical symptoms of plague, which tend to manifest within two weeks of exposure, include fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Prompt diagnosis is crucial as the condition can be effectively treated with antibiotics when detected early. Despite the seriousness of the disease, human cases remain extremely rare. The most recent prior instance in El Dorado County occurred in 2020.

Health authorities have been conducting ongoing surveillance of rodent populations to identify the presence of the plague pathogen. Between 2021 and 2024, 41 rodents in El Dorado County tested positive for exposure, and four additional cases were confirmed in 2025, all located in the Tahoe Basin.

Preventative measures advised by public health officials include avoiding contact with wild rodents and preventing pets from interacting with them or their burrows. Insect repellent containing DEET can help ward off fleas, potentially reducing human exposure to the bacterium. Proper precautions, such as wearing long pants tucked into boots and using flea control products on pets, are also recommended.

Historically, the disease sees about seven cases annually across the United States, circulating among wild animals in the western regions. Although human-to-human transmission is considered low risk, the public is reminded of the serious nature of the illness and the importance of adhering to guidelines for outdoor safety.

Within California and other endemic regions, health departments and wildlife monitors work to track potential outbreaks by identifying exposure markers among animal populations. Persistent public education regarding the signs of plague and safety practices remains a critical component of minimizing future cases.

Individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with the plague after visiting areas known for its activity are encouraged to seek medical attention immediately. El Dorado County's health officials continue to underscore the rarity of the disease but also its potential severity, affirming the importance of awareness and action in preventing further occurrences.