A Lake Tahoe area resident has tested positive for plague.
California health officials say the believed the resident was infected after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area.
El Dorado County officials says the person is recovering at home and under the care of medical professionals.
El Dorado County Acting Airector of Public Health Kyle Fliflet says plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County.
He says 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.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there’s an average of seven cases of human plague reported annually in the United States.
The infection is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis and is spread to humans through infected flea bites or contact with infected animals.
Symptoms of infection tend to occur within two weeks of exposure and can include fever, chills, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. Plague infections can be treated with common antibiotics.
