A resident of South Lake Tahoe has tested positive for the plague, according to California health officials. CNN reports that authorities believe the individual contracted the disease after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the area.
The patient is currently recovering at home under medical supervision, El Dorado County officials confirmed in a public statement.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an average of seven human plague cases annually across the country. The disease is typically transmitted through bites from infected fleas or contact with contaminated animals.
Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of exposure and may include fever, chills, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. When diagnosed early, the plague can be effectively treated with commonly available antibiotics.
According to the CDC, most cases occur in rural areas of the western United States. While rare, recent cases serve as a reminder to remain cautious when spending time outdoors, especially in regions where wild rodents are present.
For more information on the history and evolution of the “Black Death” in modern times—and how humans have adapted over the centuries—click to learn more.