The Black Death may sound like a chapter from medieval history, but in 2025 it’s still making rare appearances in the United States. Health officials have confirmed a plague case in California, just weeks after a man in Arizona tragically died from the same infection.
This news has many Americans asking: Is the plague still a threat today?
⚠️ Plague Case in California
On August 21, 2025, a resident of South Lake Tahoe, California, tested positive for the plague. Authorities believe the individual was bitten by an infected flea while camping outdoors.
This marks the first confirmed case in the region since 2020, when health officials last detected plague activity in wildlife.
🕯️ Arizona Death Linked to Plague
Just a month earlier, on July 11, 2025, a man in Arizona died after contracting the plague—the state’s first plague-related death since 2007. Investigators believe he was exposed while handling a dead infected animal.
🧬 Is the Black Death Still Around?
Yes. The plague (Yersinia pestis), which killed millions during the Middle Ages, never fully disappeared. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about 7 human plague cases per year, mostly in western states like California, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
The most common form is bubonic plague, spread by fleas from rodents such as ground squirrels, prairie dogs, or rats.
🩺 Symptoms of the Plague
Plague symptoms typically appear 2–8 days after exposure. Key signs include:
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Sudden high fever and chills
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Severe headache
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Swollen lymph nodes (“buboes”)
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Fatigue and weakness
Without treatment, the disease can be fatal. However, modern antibiotics are effective if administered quickly.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself Outdoors
If you live in or travel to areas where plague cases occasionally occur, especially in the American West, here are some safety tips:
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Wear insect repellent and long clothing when hiking or camping.
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Avoid handling wild or dead animals.
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Keep pets from roaming freely in areas with rodent populations.
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Seek immediate medical care if you develop fever and swollen lymph nodes after outdoor activities.
🌍 Why This Matters
The plague today is rare but real. These recent cases in California and Arizona highlight that ancient diseases can still pose modern risks—especially in outdoor environments where humans, rodents, and fleas intersect.
With early detection and antibiotics, the plague is no longer the deadly epidemic it once was. Still, awareness and prevention remain crucial.
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