A resident of South Lake Tahoe, California, has tested positive for bubonic plague, a rare but serious bacterial disease historically known as the "Black Death," which claimed an estimated 200 million lives. Health officials from El Dorado County announced on August 19, 2025, that the individual, whose identity remains confidential, likely contracted the infection through a flea bite while camping in the Sierra Nevada region. The patient is currently recovering at home under medical supervision, marking the first human plague case in the county since 2020.

The plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is transmitted primarily through bites from infected fleas that reside on rodents such as squirrels, chipmunks, and mice. Domestic animals, including dogs and cats, can also carry infected fleas into homes. While the disease devastated Europe in the mid-1300s, killing approximately 50 million people, modern antibiotics have rendered it treatable if addressed early. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an average of seven human plague cases annually in the United States, predominantly in rural western states like California, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The plague manifests in three primary forms: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Bubonic plague, the most common, is characterized by swollen lymph nodes, or "buboes," in the neck, groin, or armpits. Septicemic plague occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream, while pneumonic plague, the most lethal, affects the lungs and can spread through respiratory droplets. Symptoms, including fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes, typically appear within two weeks of exposure. In July 2025, an Arizona resident succumbed to pneumonic plague, underscoring its potential severity if untreated.

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"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. "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."

Prevention strategies include avoiding contact with wild rodents, not camping near animal burrows, using insect repellent, and ensuring pets are protected with flea control products. The CDC emphasizes that early antibiotic treatment is highly effective, with over 90% of patients recovering when treated promptly. No vaccine is currently available in the U.S., but adherence to preventive measures can significantly reduce risk.

Health officials continue to monitor rodent populations in the Tahoe Basin, where four rodents tested positive for plague in 2025. While the disease’s complex transmission network makes eradication unlikely, proactive measures can minimize cases. Individuals who suspect exposure should seek immediate medical attention and inform their physician of potential contact with plague-endemic areas.

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