A California resident has contracted the plague, which doctors believe was caused by the bite of an infected flea, according to a statement published on the website of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency.

“A South Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for plague… It is assumed that this individual may have been bitten by an infected flea while camping,” the statement said.

The man who contracted the disease is being treated at home, and authorities have launched an investigation.

Local officials reminded residents that natural plague reservoirs are found in many parts of California and urged people to take preventive measures, especially when spending time outdoors.

The last reported case of plague in this region of California was in 2020, when the infected individual recovered.