Health officials confirm a new plague diagnosed in California. California is witnessing a new plague patient for the first time in 5 years. This has happened in South Lake Tahoe- a resort city in California.
Plague in California
The last reported case of plague infecting humans in California was back in 2015. The plague had infected just two people that time, but they recovered pretty quickly. There was no more plague cases in California after that.
Prior to that, the medical officials diagnosed a new plague in California in 2006. Then, the state was free of any kind of plagues until 2015.
The newly infected person
A press release from the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency gave some information regarding the patient. Medicals officials believe that the patient might have been exposed to some infected rodent or fleas while walking his dog. He is reportedly recovering at home, under medical guidance.
The press release also stated some symptoms of plague, like fever, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms, however, come into play only after around two weeks since the infection.
Health officials on the new plague diagnosed in California
Plagues have a history of turning dangerous and life-threatening for human beings. Health officials, hence, are advising the residents of California to be extra careful for some days.
The El Dorado health officials are still investigating the circumstances of the case. Their PHO mentioned in the press release “Human cases of plague are extremely rare but can be very serious.” She also stressed on the importance of precautions that humans and also their pets need to follow. The health officials also suggested some measures to ensure that this new palugue in California does not infect them. People are not to feed squirrels, chipmunks and other wild rodents and not also touch sick or dead rodents. They shouuld not allow pets to play with or touch dead rodents; and keep them mostly at home, if possible.
Also Read: California’s PUA Needs Work