LAS VEGAS ( FOX5 ) — Health officials in California confirmed Tuesday that a resident of South Lake Tahoe has tested positive for plague.

The person is recovering at home, and officials believe they may have been bitten by an infected flea while camping.

Experts say plague is rare but can be serious, adding that the disease is usually spread by fleas from wild rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks. Officials urge people to avoid contact with those rodents and to keep pets away from their burrows.

El Dorado County officials gave these tips to prevent plague:

Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents.

Never touch sick, injured or dead rodents.

Do not allow your pets to play with or pick up sick, injured or dead rodents.

Do not camp, sleep or rest near animal burrows o

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