A Lake Tahoe resident has contracted the plague after likely being bitten by an infected flea while camping. The individual is recovering at home under medical care. El Dorado County health officials confirmed the case and are investigating. While rare, plague is present in parts of California, transmitted via fleas carrying the bacteria from rodents. Officials urge precautions like avoiding contact with wild rodents and using insect repellent to prevent infection.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.