Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A person in California tested positive for the plague after likely getting bit via an infected flea during a camping trip in the Lake Tahoe area.
Health officials in El Dorado County's Public Health Division announced Tuesday that a positive case of the potentially life-threatening disease turned up in a South Lake Tahoe resident after the virus-filled flea bit the unidentified victim.
"It's important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking, or camping in areas where wild rodents are present," stated Kyle Fliflet, acting director of El Dorado County's public health.
As of Tuesday, the patient was recovering at home under medical care.
Worldwide, 3,248 human plague cases were reported between 2010 and 2015, according to World Health Organization data.
