California Resident Contracts Plague

A resident of South Lake Tahoe, United States — California, has tested positive for plague, likely after being bitten by an infected flea while camping. United States — Orange County, California's Public Health Division announced the case, noting the individual is recovering at home. Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is naturally present in parts of United States — California and is typically spread by fleas from infected wild rodents. Health officials, including Kyle Fliflet, are investigating the infection and advising the public to take precautions, such as avoiding contact with rodents and using flea control. Surveillance by the United States — California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and local agencies has identified rodents exposed to plague in El Dorado County. While human cases are rare, they can be serious but are treatable with antibiotics if detected early. The United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates an average of seven human plague cases annually in the United States, mostly in the western states. The World Health Organization (WHO) also tracks global cases.