Plague Confirmed in South Lake Tahoe: California's First Human Case Since 2020 Prompts Urgent Health Advisory

A resident of South Lake Tahoe has tested positive for the plague, sending a significant public health alert across California. This marks the state's first human case of the potentially severe disease in four years, with the last instance reported in 2020. Health officials from El Dorado County have confirmed the diagnosis, urging residents and visitors to exercise heightened caution.

The individual, whose identity has not been released, likely contracted the plague through contact with an infected rodent, a bite from a plague-carrying flea, or by handling a sick or deceased animal.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that the plague is naturally present in California's wildlife, particularly among rodents such as squirrels, chipmunks, and other wild animals, especially in mountainous and rural areas.

Plague is a bacterial disease caused by Yersinia pestis, and while it can be life-threatening if untreated, it is highly treatable with antibiotics when caught early.

Symptoms typically appear within two to six days after exposure and can include sudden onset of fever, chills, weakness, nausea, headache, and painfully swollen lymph nodes, often referred to as 'buboes.' These buboes are usually found in the groin, armpit, or neck area, close to where the infection entered the body.

El Dorado County Public Health is working closely with state agencies to investigate the source of the infection and implement control measures.

However, the primary focus remains on public education and prevention.

To minimize the risk of plague transmission, health officials strongly advise the following:

• Avoid Contact with Wildlife: Do not touch, feed, or handle wild rodents, squirrels, chipmunks, or other wild animals, whether they appear healthy, sick, or dead.
• Use Insect Repellent: When spending time outdoors in areas where plague-carrying animals may be present, use insect repellent containing DEET on skin and clothing to deter fleas.
• Protect Pets: Keep pets, especially dogs and cats, away from wild rodents and their burrows.

  Use flea control products on your pets, and if your pet becomes sick, especially with a fever or swollen lymph nodes, seek veterinary care immediately and inform your vet about potential plague exposure.

• Keep Homes Rodent-Free: Eliminate potential nesting sites for rodents around your home and property.

  Store pet food in rodent-proof containers.

• Report Sick or Dead Animals: If you find sick or dead rodents or other small wild animals, report them to your local health department or animal control. Do not handle them yourself.
• Be Aware of Symptoms: If you experience any of the symptoms of plague after potential exposure, seek immediate medical attention and inform your healthcare provider about your recent activities and any possible contact with rodents or fleas.

This confirmed case underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance against zoonotic diseases.

While rare in humans, the plague is a serious public health concern, and prompt action and awareness are critical to preventing further spread and ensuring effective treatment.