An American residing near the famous Lake Tahoe, California in the United States, was Tested positive for plague According to local health authorities. Man would have contracted the disease, probably Following an infected chip bite While he had camped in the area. Man – who wishes to have remained anonymous – is treated with him and followed regularly by a medical team.
“To the east present in many regions of California, including in the high altitude areas of the County of El Dorado“, Reveals the acting director of the County public health, Kyle Fliflet. Indeed, known for having made very many dead in the world in the Middle Agesthe plague has never disappeared but is much better careful in our time.
The bacteria Yersinia pestis
The plague is a infection rare nowadays. It is caused by a bacteria: Yersinia pestis. It owes its name to Scientist Alexandre Yersin who managed to isolate it in 1894. The plague is transmitted from rodents, Like wild rats, by infected fleas. Be careful because it can also transmit between humans, by saliva or cough. The plague bacterium is very virulent!
Flash | A California resident was tested positive for the plague. He would have caught the disease after being stung by an infected chip while he was camping, according to the doctors. He is currently treated with him. pic.twitter.com/IGagJw2iA3
Carvia (@cerfiafr) August 21, 2025
There are 2 types De Peste in humans: Bubonictransmitted by fleas and The pulmonary (interhuman transmission). Bubonic plague leads to Very severe infectious syndrome (very high fever, chills, low condition and swollen nodes). In 20 to 40% of cases, patients heal. But if the bacteria reaches the lungs, the plague becomes pulmonary. In this case and without treatment, it is deadly within 3 days.
Present in Africa, Asia and America
The bacteria is not more deadly as in the Middle Ages. Because in the 14th century, the black plague (mainly bubonic plague epidemic) made between 75 and 200 million dead worldwide. And she was fatal in 100% of cases. Nowadays, alone 50,000 cases have been declared at WHO between 1990 and 2020. It was detected in 26 countries from Africa, Asia and America.
Between 2010 and 2015, 3,248 cases of plague were detected, of which 584 mortals. The last cases of plague identified In France date from 1945 in Corsica. In the United States, and more particularly in the county of El Dorado where man was infected, the last human case went up to 2020recall the those responsible for the county. The bacteria is mainly present in rural areas of the American West, reveal the American centers for the control and prevention of diseases (CDC).
Precautions and treatment
The plague is a disease capable of going out for several years Before reappearing suddenly in the form of an epidemicexplains the Pasteur Institute. Then the American authorities invite caution : “It is important that to take precautions for yourself and for our pets when they are outdoors, especially during walks, hikes or campsites in areas where wild rodents live.”
An American “Tested positive for the plague” in California after being stung by a infected chip: //t.co/ukiaqys6vt pic.twitter.com/PlJpYLVEcz
BFMTV (@BFMTV) August 21, 2025
Hikers and campers can bring insect repellents and treat their animals servants against parasites. Fortunately, the disease is very well taken care of nowadays, and can be successfully treated, If it is diagnosed in time. Treatment consists of Take antibiotics.
References of the article:
Maxime Boscq Dubernet, Lefigaro (22/08/2025), United States: a case of confirmed plague in California
Institut Pasteur, Pasteur.fr (March 2024), Fish
Nadia Kounang, CNN (21/08/2025), California resident tests positive for plague
