Plague Case Confirmed in California
California health officials have
confirmed that a resident contracted the plague after camping near Lake
Tahoe, raising fresh concerns about infected flea bites in
wildlife-rich areas. The individual is believed to have been bitten by a plague-carrying
flea, a rare but serious health risk still present in parts of the western
United States.
What
Officials Are Saying
According to state and local health
departments:
- The resident is receiving medical treatment and
is expected to recover.
- Lake Tahoe visitors
are urged to take precautions against flea bites.
- Fleas that feed on infected rodents, such as
squirrels and chipmunks, can transmit the plague to humans.
Officials stressed that while cases
are rare, plague still exists in California, particularly in rural or
forested areas.
Understanding
the Plague in 2025
The plague, historically known as
the “Black Death,” is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
Though it devastated Europe in the Middle Ages, it now appears sporadically in
the western United States.
- Transmission:
Usually spread through flea bites or direct contact with infected animals.
- Symptoms:
Fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes (called buboes), muscle aches,
and fatigue.
- Treatment:
Modern antibiotics are highly effective if started early.
Lake
Tahoe Visitors Urged to Stay Cautious
Lake Tahoe is a popular camping
and hiking destination, attracting thousands of visitors each summer.
Officials recommend the following safety measures:
- Avoid contact with wild rodents such as
squirrels and chipmunks.
- Use insect repellents to prevent flea bites.
- Keep food stored properly to avoid attracting animals.
- Report sick or dead animals to park authorities.
How
Common Are Plague Cases in California?
While alarming, plague infections
remain extremely rare. The CDC reports an average of 7 human plague
cases per year in the U.S., mostly in California, Arizona, Colorado, and
New Mexico.
Health experts emphasize that early
detection and antibiotics make recovery highly likely, unlike during
historical outbreaks.
FAQs
About the California Plague Case
Q: Where did the California resident
contract the plague?
A: Officials believe the infection occurred during a camping trip at Lake
Tahoe, likely from an infected flea bite.
Q: Is the plague still a threat in
the U.S.?
A: Yes, but it is rare. The CDC confirms a few plague cases each year,
mostly in the western states.
Q: What are the symptoms of the
plague?
A: Common symptoms include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and
body aches.
Q: Can the plague be treated today?
A: Yes. Unlike in medieval times, the plague can be effectively treated with modern
antibiotics if diagnosed early.
Q: Should Lake Tahoe visitors be
worried?
A: The risk is low, but precaution is important—avoid wildlife contact,
prevent flea bites, and report any sick animals to authorities.