By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A resident of South Lake Tahoe has been diagnosed with plague after being bitten by an infected flea while camping. The individual is recovering at home and receiving medical care, with officials investigating the source of the infection. Plague, caused by bacteria transmitted through flea bites from rodents, presents symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph nodes. The last reported case in the South Lake Tahoe area was in 2020, and public health officials advise precautions like avoiding contact with wild rodents and using insect repellent to prevent infection.
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California resident catches the plague, likely from infected flea at Lake Tahoe, officials say, and it’s certainly a headline that can make your stomach drop. But before you start stocking up on canned goods and building a bunker, it’s crucial to understand the reality. While the news is serious, and the plague itself is a nasty illness, it’s also important to note that it is treatable. We’re not talking about a medieval-level epidemic here. Modern medicine has significantly reduced the danger, so the key takeaway should be about awareness and rapid response rather than immediate panic.
In essence, bubonic plague is still a threat, particularly if it isn’t identified quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are absolutely critical to a successful outcome. It’s a crucial difference: caught early, and it’s often easily manageable; left unchecked, and the consequences can be severe. So, while the news isn’t trivial, it’s also not the end of the world. It’s a reminder to stay informed and be vigilant.
Public health officials are constantly monitoring the situation, specifically the rodent population in areas like Lake Tahoe. They’re actively testing rodents to check for the presence of the plague bacteria, and have been doing so for years. The fact that they identified infected rodents, including four in the Tahoe Basin in 2025 alone, highlights the constant need for these types of monitoring programs. This monitoring is a proactive measure, designed to catch potential problems early and hopefully prevent human cases.
Now, the immediate thought for many might be, “no trips to Tahoe!” And there’s a degree of common sense to that, especially if you’re concerned about your health. Though, it’s worth bearing in mind that the presence of the bacteria doesn’t automatically equate to a widespread outbreak. Public health officials issue warnings and the signs about staying away from rodents (and their burrows) are important for staying healthy and avoiding the plague.
The plague, in its bubonic form, is relatively common in the United States, particularly in the western regions. You will see cases from time to time. This particular incident in Lake Tahoe isn’t even the first instance of a plague case being linked to the area. Furthermore, the existence of plague is not exclusive to the US; it’s endemic in several places around the world, like Madagascar, where scientists continue to study and develop new treatments, like the recent discovery of another antibiotic.
Understanding where the plague commonly pops up helps to put things in perspective. Cases aren’t uniformly distributed, and the regions most affected are typically in the western U.S., particularly in states like New Mexico and Arizona. And it’s very important to realize, the plague is not simply a historical disease; it’s a present-day reality.
The risk of plague tends to be tied to specific areas, usually where certain animals, particularly rodents like prairie dogs, live. Fleas that feed on these infected animals then transmit the bacteria to others, including humans. That’s why it’s wise to avoid close contact with rodents and their habitats. And remember, keep your pets safe: Don’t let your dogs chase or interact with prairie dogs, as that’s often where human cases originate.
Beyond bubonic plague, there’s also pneumonic plague, a much more serious form of the disease. Pneumonic plague infects the lungs, and can be transmitted directly from person to person through coughing. This form is particularly dangerous, as the symptoms can initially be mistaken for more common illnesses like the flu or bronchitis, which gives the illness the potential to spread very quickly. So, the key is to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you’re infected and have the symptoms of influenza.
Antibiotics are effective in treating the plague, but like all bacteria, the bacteria that cause the plague can develop resistance to antibiotics over time if the drugs are over-prescribed. Timely and appropriate use of antibiotics is essential to minimize complications and prevent the spread of the illness. You might not show symptoms for a while, but run to the doctor if you start feeling ill.
The overall message is one of caution and awareness. The plague is something to be taken seriously, but it is not the end of civilization. Listen to public health officials and, if you suspect you’ve been exposed or are feeling sick, seek medical attention without delay.