Health officials in California have confirmed that a South Lake Tahoe resident tested positive for the plague, the centuries-old disease that killed millions during the Black Death. The individual is believed to have contracted the infection after being bitten by an infected flea while camping near the Lake Tahoe Basin. According to El Dorado County Public Health, the patient is receiving care and recovering at home.

“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher-elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Fliflet, the county’s acting public health director. “It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and camping in areas where wild rodents are present.”

Though most people associate the plague with medieval Europe, the bacterium that causes it—Yersinia pestis—still circulates in parts of the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates an average of seven human cases occur each year nationwide.

Also Read: What History Teaches Us About Plague? Are There More Than One Type?

Most of these cases are sporadic, linked to fleas feeding on infected wild rodents such as ground squirrels and chipmunks. California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado report the majority of cases. While the disease is now treatable with common antibiotics, untreated infections remain dangerous and potentially fatal.

In El Dorado County, plague activity is not unusual. State monitoring programs have detected Y. pestis exposure in at least 45 wild squirrels and chipmunks in the Lake Tahoe Basin since 2021. Most recent human case of plague in the region occurred in 2020 and was due to flea exposure.

How The Plague Spreads?

Most common way of transmission is by being bitten by an infected flea, but people can also get infected through handling infected animals or less commonly from pets like cats and dogs that are infested with fleas. There are three main forms of plague.

Bubonic plague – Most frequent, resulting from flea bites. The signs and symptoms are painful, swollen lymph nodes (buboes), fever, chills, headache, and weakness.

Septicemic plague – What happens when bacteria multiply in the blood, leading to bleeding beneath the skin, pain in the abdomen, and shock.

Pneumonic plague – Rarest but deadliest variety. It occurs when infection reaches the lungs and can be spread person to person through respiratory droplets.

More than 80% of U.S. cases are bubonic. If diagnosed early, antibiotics such as streptomycin, doxycycline, or ciprofloxacin can cure the disease. Without treatment, however, mortality remains high.

The term "plague" usually brings to mind the Black Death that caused an estimated 25 million deaths in Europe in the 14th century. That epidemic spread quickly from rat and flea populations in densely populated cities.

In the United States, the most recent rat-to-human plague outbreak took place in Los Angeles in 1924–1925. Since then, cases have been mostly confined to rural settings where people come in contact with wild rodents.

Only last month, an Arizona patient succumbed to pneumonic plague, highlighting that though unusual, the illness remains dangerous, especially when diagnosis is late.

How Did Lake Tahoe Become A Hotspot for Plague

Lake Tahoe’s mix of wilderness, high elevation, and rodent populations makes it one of California’s plague monitoring hubs. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) routinely tests rodent populations, especially ground squirrels and chipmunks, for signs of Y. pestis exposure.

Officials stress that the presence of plague in wildlife does not mean widespread human danger. Instead, it highlights the importance of preventive measures for campers, hikers, and residents. Recommended precautions include:

• Using insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors
• Wearing long pants tucked into boots to minimize flea exposure
• Avoiding contact with wild rodents, dead animals, or their burrows
• Never feeding squirrels or chipmunks
• Keeping pets leashed or at home, and treating them with flea prevention

The South Lake Tahoe patient’s infection is believed to stem from a flea bite during a recent camping trip. Local health officials are investigating the case and have issued public advisories to remind residents and visitors about safety practices.

While the patient’s identity has not been disclosed, officials confirmed that they are receiving proper medical care and are expected to recover. The case has sparked renewed efforts to remind the public that while plague is rare, awareness is essential.

Is Plague Still A Cause Of Concern?

Globally, plague continues to cause outbreaks, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. The World Health Organization reports several hundred cases per year, with Madagascar being one of the most affected countries.

In the United States, where public health infrastructure and antibiotics are readily available, cases are usually isolated and treatable. Still, experts say that ignoring plague entirely would be a mistake. Rodent populations are reservoirs for the bacterium, and climate change, increased outdoor recreation, and human encroachment into wildlife habitats may increase opportunities for transmission.

The South Lake Tahoe case is a reminder that ancient diseases are not fully relegated to history books. But unlike the Middle Ages, modern medicine provides effective tools to treat and contain outbreaks.

For residents and visitors, the takeaway is practical rather than alarmist: enjoy the outdoors but take precautions. For health authorities, it is a call to continue surveillance, public education, and rapid response when rare cases occur.

As Kyle Fliflet put it, “Plague is naturally present in many parts of California…It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors.”

Meghalaya health officials have asked locals to avoid crowded places after two Agniveer trainees have died of suspected meningococcal bacterial infection at a training centre in Shillong in February.

While the first trainee died at the Military Hospital in the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC), the other died on February 23. The remaining 28 trainees have been placed in quarantine.

Joram Beda, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-Secretary, said the East Khasi Hills District Surveillance Unit has initiated an active epidemiological investigation, including contact tracing, isolation of close contacts, and fumigation, which has been carried out in and around the affected military facility.

“Case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory review, and surveillance strengthening measures are currently underway,” the official advisory read.

The Health and Family Welfare Department also said the State Surveillance Unit has been activated and a detailed epidemiological investigation is currently underway. Authorities further added that surveillance has been strengthened not just within the Army training establishment but also in surrounding areas as a precaution.

The state government has asked people to avoid crowded areas, wear masks in crowded places, practise good respiratory hygiene and wash their hands regularly with soap and sanitiser.

It also asked residents to report to the nearest medical facility in cases of sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, rapidly spreading purpuric (purple-coloured spots or patches) rashes, pale limbs at a later stage, and circulatory collapse, shock, and multi-organ failure.

What Is Meningococcal Disease?

How Does Meningococcal Disease Spread?

Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted through respiratory droplets, by coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing food and drinks. The greatest risk occurs between people with extended, close contact, such as family members and sexual partners. Prolonged riding in enclosed vehicles, such as buses, planes, with the infected person, also greatly increases risk.

CDC states that infants below one year, adolescents 16–23 years old, immunocompromised patients, and residents of communal environments are at greatest risk.

Early Symptoms of Meningococcal Disease

The infection at first presents a nonspecific viral illness, but can worsen suddenly. Adults must be aware of the following signs:

• Fever, headache, stiff neck – classic symptoms of meningitis
• Red spots or rash – typically seen as pinpricks or larger bruise-like patches, a sign of blood vessel involvement
• Nausea, vomiting, photophobia (light sensitivity)
• Confusion, lethargy, rapid breathing, seizures – signs of severe progression
• Neck stiffness and changed mental status, usually with fever

In the most severe cases, sepsis, exhaustion, coldness of extremities, and coma may ensue, all necessitating immediate medical intervention. Shockingly, worsening can happen within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Meningococcal Disease

The gold-standard diagnosis for invasive meningococcal disease involves a combination of blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis obtained through lumbar puncture.

However, in cases where increased intracranial pressure is suspected, performing a lumbar puncture may need to be delayed to avoid complications. Additionally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing plays a crucial role in rapidly identifying the infection, particularly when prior antibiotic treatment may interfere with traditional culture results.

IMD survivors develop severe complications: hearing loss, neurological injury, kidney failure, or limb amputation by necrosis. Unfortunately, natural infection does not offer absolute lifelong immunity; recurrence, although infrequent, can occur, warranting immune deficiency assessments.

Vaccination is the best protection. Vaccines protect against several serogroups (A, B, C, W, Y, X) and are universally advised, particularly among adolescents, travelers, and those at risk.

Wegovy maker Novo Nordisk has ended its legal dispute with the Hims & Hers Health platform, according to a media report.

The two companies are likely to partner and sell the blockbuster obesity drug Wegovy together on the Hims & Hers Health platform, Bloomberg News reported.

Market analysts have expressed surprise on the move, as both Novo and Hims have been previously engaged in legal battle over Wegovy.

“There is no other way to describe the Hims news as both a surprise and an unabashed positive for Hims' stock,” Leerink Partners analyst Michael Cherny was quoted as saying in a note to clients.

A Novo spokesperson said in an emailed statement that the company is "always in conversation with companies that can help improve patient access to FDA-approved medicines".

The Dispute Between Novo and Hims

In February, Novo sued Hims for launching a similar version of its new Wegovy weight-loss pill for $49.

The Danish drugmaker accused Hims of patent infringement on Semaglutide -- the active ingredient behind its best-selling medications Ozempic and Wegovy.

Semaglutide is popularly known for weight loss , but is also effective for diabetes and is used primarily for that.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had also threatened action against Hims.

Last year, Novo had to end a short-lived agreement to sell Wegovy over Him's marketing tactics and continued sales of copycat versions of Wegovy.

Recently, the FDA has signaled plans to crack down on the proliferation of copycat, or compounded, weight-loss drugs.

Wegovy And Ozempic To Cost Less In 2027

Currently, Wegovy injections and pills cost $1,349.02 a month, whereas Ozempic and Rybelus cost $1,027.51, Novo told PEOPLE.

Individuals with commercial insurance pay $25 a month, whereas those using cash pay between $149 to $499. Patients on Medicare will pay $274 per month.

Late in February, Novo Nordisk announced it would slash the price for all doses:

• The list price of Wegovy injections and the new Wegovy pill will be cut in half
• Ozempic injections will be cut by 35 percent
• The semaglutide tablet Rybelsus will now cost $675 a month

"There are more than 100 million people living with obesity and over 35 million with type 2 diabetes and, and for some, list price has been a real barrier to access and affordability," Jamey Millar, Executive Vice President, US Operations of Novo Nordisk Inc., was quoted as saying to PEOPLE.

Indian Drugmakers Rush For Generic Weight Loss Drugs

Meanwhile, amid the patent expiration of semaglutide, several pharma companies in India are planning big launches of Wegovy's generic versions.

Several leading drugmakers have already secured regulatory approval or recommendations to produce and market generic versions of the weight loss drugs in the country.

Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy's already applied for a trademark with the brand name Obeda and a logo.

Other companies like Sun Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, and Nacto Pharma are also entering the rat race of launching multiple generic versions to make the treatment more affordable for patients with obesity and weight-related health risks.

Sun Pharma also announced the plans for "day-one" launches of generic prefilled pens.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Vinay Prasad has once again — for the second time in less than a year — stepped down from his post as director of the agency’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, amid controversies over the review of vaccines and specialty drugs for rare diseases.

Announcing the news to FDA staff in an email late Friday, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said Prasad would depart at the end of April. Makary added that Prasad would return to his academic position at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Taking to social media platform X, Makary said that under Prasad’s leadership, his center recorded a record number of approvals in December.

“A year ago, Dr. Prasad came to the FDA to implement four major long-lasting reforms: a 2-to-1 pivotal trial requirement, national priority reviews, a risk-stratified COVID vaccine framework, and the new plausible mechanism framework for ultra-rare diseases, which we launched last week,” Makary said.

The FDA commissioner noted that Prasad “got a tremendous amount accomplished within his one-year sabbatical from UCSF and will be returning to his academic home later next month,” and thanked him “for his service and personal sacrifice in taking time away from his family.”

The FDA is expected to announce Prasad’s successor before his departure.

Who Is Vinay Prasad?

Vinay Prasad is an Indian-origin American hematologist-oncologist and author. He was first appointed as the FDA’s vaccines chief in May 2025.

Prasad, known as a longtime critic of the FDA’s standards for drug reviews, drew controversy for raising the bar for new drug approvals. The move did not sit well with pharmaceutical companies and reportedly dashed the hopes of some patients with rare diseases.

In July, he was removed from his position following disputes with biotechnology executives, patient organisations, and conservative allies of US President Donald Trump. He was later reinstated after Makary and US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushed for reconsideration.

What Is The Controversy?

While Prasad, along with Makary, announced several measures to make FDA drug reviews faster and easier for companies, he also imposed new warnings and study requirements for some biotech drugs and vaccines.

This was particularly evident in the case of COVID-19 vaccines, which have been a target of criticism from Kennedy, who was a longtime anti-vaccine activist before joining the Trump administration.

The latest controversy involves the FDA’s interactions with Dutch biopharma company uniQure, which developed an experimental gene therapy for Huntington’s disease that is injected directly into the brain during a surgical procedure.

Huntington’s is a deadly neurological condition affecting about 40,000 Americans, and currently has no cure.

UniQure faced a setback after Prasad’s centre said its earlier studies were insufficient to support a biologics licence application.

During an earnings call earlier this week, the company said the FDA was demanding a new trial involving sham surgery for some patients.

Executives said the request for a sham-controlled trial contradicted earlier FDA guidance. They also questioned whether such an approach would be ethical for patients with Huntington’s disease, which is progressive and ultimately fatal, typically in middle age.

Earlier, Prasad also refused to allow the FDA to review a highly anticipated flu vaccine from Moderna made using mRNA technology.

The rejection of the application -- highly unusual for the FDA -- prompted Moderna to go public with Prasad’s decision and vow to formally challenge it.

A week after the rejection became public, the FDA reversed course and said it would accept the vaccine for review, pending an additional study from the company.

Prasad’s handling of rare-disease therapy applications also drew criticism after the FDA asked Sarepta Therapeutics, a drugmaker developing treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to pause shipments following reports of patient deaths.

The company initially resisted, wanting to continue distributing treatments for patients who could still walk, but later agreed. The agency, however, reversed the pause just days later.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects a small number of boys and young men who typically lose their ability to walk before puberty and often die by around age 30.