South Lake Tahoe Resident Recovering at Home After Likely Flea Bite, Health Officials Urge Outdoor Precautions

Date: August 21, 2025

South Lake Tahoe, California - A South Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for bubonic plague, marking the first human case in California since 2020, according to El Dorado County health officials. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, is believed to have contracted the rare bacterial infection from a flea bite while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area. The patient is currently receiving medical care and recovering at home, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The plague, caused by the bacterium *Yersinia pestis*, is naturally present in many parts of California, particularly in higher-elevation areas like El Dorado County. It is typically transmitted to humans through bites from infected fleas that have fed on wild rodents such as squirrels or chipmunks. Health officials noted that the South Lake Tahoe region has seen evidence of plague activity in rodent populations, with 45 ground squirrels or chipmunks testing positive for exposure to the bacterium since 2021, including four additional cases this year.

“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, in a statement. “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.”

Symptoms of bubonic plague typically appear within two to eight days of exposure and include fever, chills, weakness, and painfully swollen lymph nodes known as buboes. If detected early, the disease is treatable with antibiotics, and approximately 90% of patients recover with prompt treatment. The El Dorado County Health Department has not specified whether the patient’s case is bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic plague, but officials emphasized that early diagnosis is critical to preventing severe complications.

This case follows other recent plague incidents in the western United States. In July 2025, an Arizona resident died from pneumonic plague, the most severe form of the disease, which can spread person-to-person if untreated. Earlier this year, a cat in Colorado and a person in Oregon also tested positive for the plague, highlighting its persistence in rural western regions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an average of seven human plague cases annually in the U.S., with over 80% being the bubonic form, primarily in states like California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.

To prevent plague transmission, health officials recommend avoiding contact with sick or dead rodents, not feeding wild animals, and keeping pets on leashes or using flea control products. Campers are advised to avoid sleeping near animal burrows or areas with dead rodents, wear long pants tucked into boots, and use insect repellent containing DEET. The California Department of Public Health has been monitoring rodent populations for plague activity and is coordinating with local officials to assess ongoing risks in the Tahoe Basin.

El Dorado County health officials are investigating the circumstances of the case and have urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant while enjoying outdoor activities. While human cases of plague are rare, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking preventive measures in areas where the disease is endemic.

“We are working closely with the California Department of Public Health to ensure the safety of our community,” Fliflet added. “With proper precautions, the risk of contracting plague can be significantly reduced.”

For more information on plague prevention, residents can visit the CDC’s website or contact the El Dorado County Health Department.