Plague is detected in South Lake Tahoe resident; flea blamed

A South Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for the plague — yes, the same pest-transmitted disease estimated to have killed 25 million Europeans in the Middle Ages.

- CLARA HARTER

OFFICIALS URGE visitors to Lake Tahoe to avoid exposure to rodents or ticks.

It is believed that the person contracted the rare and dangerous disease after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area, according to El Dorado County health officials. The patient is under the care of a medical professional and recovering at home, health officials said.

"Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher-elevation areas of El Dorado County," Kyle Fliflet, the county’s acting director of public health, said in a statement. “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."