Case of the plague under investigation as threat level increases
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A bubonic plague warning is posted in 2022. (Photo: George Rose/Getty Images)
California public health officials are investigating and warning against the plague after a resident tested positive this month.
Why it matters: The plague is nothing to scoff at. Though medical advancements have made the deadly disease fairly treatable compared to its peak in the Middle Ages, it hasn't been eradicated completely, with rare cases popping up every year.
- The latest California case appears to have happened while camping, an activity fairly common this time of year. That's why public officials are warning people of what to do to stay safe from the plague.
Driving the news: A California resident in South Lake Tahoe tested positive for the plague this month, according to an El Dorado County press release. The person remains under medical care as they recover at home.
- The person "may have been bitten by an infected flea while camping in South Lake Tahoe area," El Dorado County officials said.
- Health officials are still investigating what happened.
What they're saying: "Plague is naturally present in many parts of California," Kyle Fliflet, acting director of public health in El Dorado County, said in a press release.
- "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," he added.
What to know about the plague threat
Threat level: There are roughly seven cases of human plague reported every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis that is spread through infected fleas, which get it from infected animals.
- Most cases in the U.S. occur in rural areas, the CDC says, especially northern New Mexico and Arizona.
- Worldwide, cases have been spotted in Africa, Asia and South America.
Flashback: A human case was reported in El Dorado County in 2020, public health officials said. Two other people were reported to have the plague in 2015 after exposure at Yosemite National Park.
Plague symptoms and what to watch for
Zoom in: The plague often comes in three forms, including:
- Bubonic plague, the most common version that causes flu-like symptoms.
- Septicemic plague, where the bacteria can enter the blood stream and multiply.
- Pneumonic plague, which severely impacts the lungs and can lead to serious coughing problems. This is the only plague that can spread from human to human.
Plague symptoms often arrive within days of exposure to an infected animal or insect, the CDC says.
- Common symptoms include fever, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes.
Yes, but: Plague can be treated with antibiotics if detected early enough.
- "Prompt treatment with the correct medications is critical to prevent complications or death," according to the CDC.
How to avoid the plague
What to watch: El Dorado County officials said you should not feed "squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents" or touch any sick or dead rodents.
- Officials warned to keep an eye on your cats, too: "Pet cats are highly susceptible to plague and can pose a direct threat to humans. Keep cats away from rodents," they said.
- Anyone who thinks they might be sick after being an area where cases have occurred should consult a physician, officials said.
