California Resident Tests Positive for the Plague After Camping Trip
A California resident recently tested positive for the bubonic plague following a camping trip in Lake Tahoe. Despite common misconception that the plague is a fearsome infliction of the past, the recent case has people worried about a potential modern resurgence. Medical experts believe they have identified how the individual contracted the illness. Here’s what we know about the case.
A Brief History of The Bubonic Plague
The bubonic plague is an infection that is responsible for some of the most fatal pandemics in human history. Most notably, the Black Death in the 14th century killed an estimated 25 million people in Europe alone.
The Spread of The Plague
The Bubonic Plague can be traced back to the 6th century and made its way from Egypt to Europe and Asia. The disease is thought to be responsible for more than 200 million deaths. After the Black Death, there were several other outbreaks including the London Plague of 1665, the Great Plague of Marseille in 1720, and the San Francisco Plague of 1900.
Not So Common Today
Today, the plague is far less common than it has been in history thanks to modern medicine like antibiotics. Cases tend to be sporadic and chances of survival are much higher than the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries when hygiene and medicine were less developed.
What Exactly is The Plague?
The bubonic plague is a bacterial infection that is often transmitted through the bite of an infected flea that has fed on an infected rodent. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, and vomiting.
The Modern California Case of The Plague
A Lake Tahoe Camper tested positive for the plague, according to El Dorado County health officials. They believe the individual was infected through an infected flea, as is true with most plague cases.
Monitoring Rodents in The Area
Health officials are now monitoring rodents in the area to determine if there is a population carrying the plague. Since 2021, officials have identified 41 rodents with exposure to the plague and identified four more in 2025 so far.
Cause for Concern?
Like any other bacterial infection, antibiotics are highly effective in treating plague. Early diagnosis is ideal for starting medication and treating symptoms as fast as possible. Effective antibiotics that are typically used in treatment include aminoglycosides and tetracyclines.
How to Protect Yourself
In order to prevent contraction, officials recommend avoiding touching rodents such as squirrels, rats, or mice that may be infected. Stay away from areas with dead rodents and be aware of hiking or traveling in places where rodents are present. Wear long pants tucked into boots and use bug repellant to keep fleas away.
Conclusion
The plague was once an almost guaranteed death sentence and is responsible for hundreds of millions of deaths, it is now usually entirely treatable with proper care and medication. While uncommon in modern day society, it is important to remain aware and diligent in places where infected rodents may be present.
