A California resident has tested positive for plague after camping in the South Lake Tahoe area, marking the first human case in El Dorado County since 2020. Health officials suspect the infection was transmitted through a flea bite, prompting increased public health vigilance.
The individual involved is a resident of South Lake Tahoe in California, though specific personal details have not been disclosed to protect privacy. Health officials from El Dorado County confirmed the case, emphasizing that plague is a rare but serious bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis.
The testing and confirmation occurred recently, with announcements made on or around August 20, 2025, as reported by multiple news outlets. This timing aligns with the publication dates of the articles, indicating the news came to public attention within the last 24 hours.
The exposure is believed to have happened while the individual was camping in the South Lake Tahoe area, which is part of El Dorado County. This region is known for its outdoor recreation but also has wildlife that can carry diseases, including rodents like squirrels and chipmunks.
Plague is naturally present in some parts of California, often maintained in rodent populations and transmitted to humans through flea bites. In this case, officials believe the person was bitten by an infected flea during camping activities, which is a common transmission route for bubonic plague.
The impact of this case is significant as it is the first human plague infection reported in El Dorado County since 2020. It has led to health alerts, increased surveillance of wildlife, and public advisories to prevent further infections. There is no indication of widespread risk, but it underscores the importance of awareness in endemic areas.
Health officials are responding by conducting tests on local rodents to identify any outbreaks and are educating the community on precautions, such as avoiding contact with rodents, using insect repellent, and seeking medical care for symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes. Ongoing monitoring will help assess and mitigate any potential public health threats.