A resident in South Lake Tahoe, California, has tested positive for plague, according to local health officials. The person is believed to have contracted the disease through a bite from an infected flea while camping.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that plague occurs naturally in western US areas where it circulates among wild rodents and other animals. Humans typically get infected through rodent fleas or by handling infected animals. Symptoms include fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes, which usually appear within two weeks of exposure.
El Dorado County’s acting director of public health, Kyle Fliflet, stated that plague is present in California’s higher elevation areas and emphasized the importance of taking precautions when outdoors, especially during hiking and camping trips. The disease can be cured with antibiotics, but prompt treatment is crucial to prevent serious illness or death.
According to CDC data, at least 15 people have died from plague since 2000. Despite concerns about public exposure and human-to-human transmission, health officials consider the risk low.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/california-resident-tests-positive-plague/story?id=124814023