Man in California infected with plague from a flea

California resident contracted plague after a flea bite while vacationing outdoors at Lake Tahoe

A California resident became a victim of a rare disease after being bitten by an infected flea while camping at South Lake Tahoe, reports LA Times.

Medical specialists confirmed a positive plague test result for the man. In their opinion, the source of infection was an infected flea that attacked the victim during his stay at a campsite on the picturesque Lake Tahoe.

Currently, the patient is receiving treatment at home under careful medical supervision. Medical professionals urge the public to remain calm, emphasizing that in the modern world, plague is effectively treated with antibiotics, and outbreaks of this disease are extremely rare.

Acting head of the county health department Kyle Fliplet explained that the plague pathogen is naturally present in some areas of California, especially in high-altitude regions near Lake Tahoe. In this regard, authorities strongly recommend residents follow preventive safety measures, especially during walks and hikes in nature.

This case became the first registered plague infection in El Dorado County since 2020 and added to the list of isolated cases identified this year in the western United States.