“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,” he said.

A resident of South Lake Tahoe, California, has been diagnosed with the plague, the state’s first human plague infection since 2020.

“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado County acting director of public health.