The Brief

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - A South Lake Tahoe resident has tested for the plague, El Dorado County health officials announced on Wednesday.

South Lake Tahoe plague

That person, who is recovering at home, may have been bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area, according to El Dorado County officials.

In a statement, El Dorado County’s Acting Director of Public Health Kyle Fliflet said that plague – despite its ominous-sounding name – is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher-elevation areas.

Plague is caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis.

Flea bites from infected rodents

Plague bacteria are most often transmitted by the bites of fleas that have acquired the bacteria from infected squirrels, chipmunks and other wild ro

See Full Page