Tejal SomvanshiA South Lake Tahoe resident is recovering at home after testing positive for plague, likely contracted from an infected flea bite while camping in the area, according to El Dorado County health officials.
“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado 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 and or camping in areas where wild rodents are present.”
The Local Situation
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been monitoring rodent populations in the region. Their surveillance found 41 rodents with evidence of plague exposure in El Dorado County between 2021 and 2024. Four additional rodents have tested positive in 2025, all within the Tahoe Basin.
This isn’t the first human case in the area. The last reported case in El Dorado County occurred in 2020, also in the South Lake Tahoe area. Before that, two people contracted plague in 2015 after exposure in Yosemite National Park. All individuals received treatment and recovered.
Understanding Plague
Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which typically spreads to humans through flea bites. These fleas become infected after feeding on infected wild rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks.
Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of exposure and include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness
- Swollen, painful lymph nodes
While the disease can be serious, it responds well to antibiotics when medical care is sought promptly. The CDC reports an average of just seven plague cases annually across the United States.
Recent Developments
This case follows a more serious incident in July 2025, when a resident of Coconino County, Arizona, died from pneumonic plague—a form that affects the lungs and can spread through respiratory droplets, unlike the bubonic form which causes swollen lymph nodes.
Staying Safe
Health officials stress that while the risk remains low, simple precautions can help protect both people and pets:
“Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents,” advises the El Dorado County health department. They also recommend avoiding contact with sick, injured, or dead rodents.
For campers and hikers, wearing long pants tucked into boot tops and using insect repellent containing DEET on socks and pant cuffs can reduce exposure to fleas. It’s also advisable to avoid camping near rodent burrows or areas with dead rodents.
Pet owners should use veterinarian-recommended flea control products and keep pets leashed to prevent them from exploring rodent habitats. Cats are particularly susceptible to plague and can pose a direct threat to humans if infected.
When to Seek Help
If you develop symptoms after potential exposure, seek medical attention immediately and inform your healthcare provider about possible plague exposure.
Residents who spot sick or dead rodents can report them to El Dorado County Environmental Management at (530) 573-3450.
For more information about plague, the CDPH maintains resources at their website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Plague.aspx
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely while emphasizing that human cases are rare. With proper precautions, the risk to the public remains low.
