California Resident Contracts Plague in South Lake Tahoe
A South Lake Tahoe resident is recovering from the plague, likely contracted from an infected flea bite, prompting health officials to issue warnings about rodent contact in the area.
South Lake Tahoe resident treated for plague
Chicago Tribune
Overview
- A California resident from South Lake Tahoe has tested positive for the plague, marking the first local case since 2020 and the first in El Dorado County.
- The individual is currently recovering at home under medical care, likely having contracted the bubonic plague from an infected flea bite during camping.
- Plague naturally occurs in various parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County, with infected rodents transmitting the bacteria.
- Routine monitoring from 2021 to 2024 detected 41 rodents with plague exposure, and four positive rodents in the Tahoe Basin in 2025.
- Health officials warn against feeding or touching wild rodents, as plague can be fatal if not promptly treated with antibiotics, though US cases are rare.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by focusing on factual reporting and public health information. They avoid sensationalism and provide context regarding the rarity of plague cases, emphasizing official guidance and historical background without employing loaded language or selective emphasis.
"The resident is recovering at home under the supervision of a medical professional."
USA TODAY"The case is the first one reported in El Dorado County since 2020."
Chicago Tribune"The risk to the public of exposure as well as the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low, according to health officials."
GizmodoArticles (5)
Center (3)
FAQ
The resident likely contracted bubonic plague, which is the most common form caused by Yersinia pestis and typically spread by infected flea bites.
Plague occurs naturally in parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County. The last local human case before this was in 2020. Surveillance detected 41 plague-positive rodents from 2021 to 2024 and four infected rodents in the Tahoe Basin in 2025.
People should avoid feeding or touching wild rodents, and take precautions for themselves and their pets when walking, hiking, or camping in areas where wild rodents are present to reduce risk of plague exposure.
Symptoms include fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes appearing within two weeks of exposure. Plague can be deadly if not treated promptly with antibiotics, but it is curable when given early.
On average, the U.S. reports about seven plague cases annually since 2000, with approximately 15 deaths from plague during that period. Deaths are rare with timely treatment, but the disease can be fatal if untreated.
History
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