A South Lake Tahoe resident is currently recovering at home with a medical professional after catching the bubonic plague, the same disease that killed 25 million people over 600 years ago.
But this isn't the 1300's and El Dorado County Public Health says it's not nearly as dangerous. In fact, cases happen more often than some may think.
"So, in El Dorado County our last case was in 2020," said Heather Orchard, Nurse Manager for El Dorado County Public Health. "So, it's very rare, but it is a common bacteria that's commonly found in higher elevations such as South Lake Tahoe."
Orchard says they believe the Tahoe resident may have been bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area.
The bacteria can also be spread through squirrels, chipmunks, and other wild rodents.
To prevent getting the plague you should avoid contact with these animals and keep your pets away from rodents and burrows.
"Dogs and cats are very curious so they will play with a dead rodent. Making sure our animals are protected as well is as important because they come into the home," Orchard explains.
She says you should also use insect repellent, wear long pants and long sleeves, and make sure your pets have on tick and flea collars.
If you believe you might have caught plague, check for symptoms.
"Fever, chills, muscle aches, any kind of bite that they noticed on themselves," she said.
If any of those symptoms apply, then reach out to your primary care physician.
Orchard says even if you do catch the plague, it can easily be treated by antibiotics.
