Alarm over a possible bubonic plague case near Fresno spread quickly in recent days, but health officials say the concern appears to have been sparked by an ordinary flea bite.
The speculation gained traction online after since-deleted posts claimed a young girl had contracted the so-called Black Death following a bite at Bass Lake in Madera County’s Sierra National Forest.
On Tuesday, county health officials pushed back on the rumors surrounding the Yersinia pestis scare, confirming they have not recorded any cases of the disease.
“Madera County Department of Public Health has not identified any confirmed cases,” the department told YourCentralValley.com, while noting that officials continue to monitor the situation.
The update comes as welcome news for organizers preparing for Bass Lake’s 125th “Birthday Glow Paddle,” scheduled for Aug. 15.
Promoters have invited visitors to “toast this lake we love” and enjoy the night sky, including a chance to watch for falling stars during the celebration.
The event is set to begin at Miller’s Dock at 8 p.m., with swimmers and paddlers expected to brighten the water with glow sticks.
Known for its warm summer water and dramatic alpine scenery, Bass Lake remains a popular recreation destination near the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.
