El Dorado County health officials confirmed a South Lake Tahoe resident has contracted the plague. They suspect the infection was acquired through a bite by an infected flea during a Colorado camping trip to the area. The person is now recuperating at home and continuing medical care. Either way, this case raises major alarms about the risk of plague bacteria being found within the state’s usual rodent population. The problem is most acute in mountainous regions.
Public health officials said symptoms of the plague could appear as early as two weeks after exposure. Symptoms can include fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. As the individual receives treatment and heals, officials are making efforts to ensure the public remains protected.
Locally, from 2021 to 2024, El Dorado County has confirmed that 41 rodents have tested positive for exposure to the bacteria that causes plague. Just how common is this deadly disease? In 2023, an additional four rodents would test positive for plague in the Tahoe Basin. This alarming finding has widespread implications for the possible transmission of this disease. This serves as a sobering reminder of the risks still posed by wildlife in the area.
Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado County’s acting public health director, said raising public awareness about the problem is key.
“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Fliflet. “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.”
The most recent confirmed human case of plague in the South Lake Tahoe vicinity was in 2020. In 2015, two people contracted the disease after traveling to Yosemite National Park. This is an important reminder that although human cases are unusual, they are not impossible.
As local health officials move forward, they will continue tracking these populations to determine if the risk of plague transmission to humans remains. Be aware and be safe as you recreate outdoors! This is crucial everywhere, but especially in places where wild rodents could be wandering, so look out.
