In a turn of events that thrills epidemiologists and hikers alike, a California resident reportedly tested positive for plague after camping near Lake Tahoe. The department of health described the incident as ‘not ideal for a vacation’ but ‘excellent clickbait’ for the local news cycle.

Public health officials stressed that this is a single case, not a statewide theme park ride. They added that the real danger is probably the souvenir shop’s sticker that reads ‘I survived plague at Lake Tahoe’.

The camper, who requested anonymity, reported fever and an oddly specific craving for pine-scented soap. Investigators say the positive result could be linked to a long weekend fueled by questionable trail mix and a suspiciously dramatic playlist.

Laboratory confirmation turned the local campground into a makeshift studio for headlines, while officials urged calm and advised visitors to steer clear of close contact with wildlife. The advisory also warned campers to avoid licking pine cones or sharing snorkels with trail muffins.

Residents reacted with Tahoe-level calm and a pinch of humor, sharing memes about the outbreak of ‘nature’s spa day’ and the lake’s ambiguous aroma of campfire and opportunity.

Experts remind the public that ‘plague’ is a rare guest, not a trending filter. Still, the word has a way of turning a quiet hike into a town meeting about preparedness and brisk air.

Local businesses offered comfort snacks and questionable advice to stranded hikers. The mayor invited community leaders to discuss ‘outdoor wellness’ while avoiding the phrase ‘plague’ in public remarks.

Park rangers tightened enforcement on trash and questionable camping fashion. They also reminded campers that the forest is not a venue for improvisational microbiology experiments.

Experts suggested practical gear for campers, including a ‘portable UV-C water purifier bottle’, to help sanitize liquids and the occasional deep-fried trout. The idea quickly spiraled into a cottage industry of ‘trust your gear’ memes, with online shoppers debating bottle shape and bottle weight.

Nearby hotels scrambled to rebrand, offering ‘plague-aware’ packages that include extra soap and a complimentary hand sanitizer. Receptionists warned guests that the view is still scenic, just with a side of public health advisories.

Scientists reminded reporters that one positive test does not predict the next season’s lineup. Still, the lab’s clipboard was almost as crowded as the trailhead on a three-day weekend.

Some locals speculated the so-called ‘Lake Tahoe Squirrel Conglomerate’ is behind everything, citing alibis like ‘they love almonds’ as if they were epidemiologists. Others blamed the glittery pine needles that apparently harbor micro secrets.

A science blogger suggested the bacteria might hitchhike on a moose wearing boots, which, the author noted, is not how biology is supposed to work.

Meanwhile the affected resident issued a press statement: they came for the view and stayed for a mystery, which in this case involves public health alerts and a notification about protective footwear. They thanked hikers for the morale boost and asked fans to stop calling their tent a ‘containment zone’.

State officials attempted to preserve calm by hosting a town hall on ‘outdoor experiences and unplanned surprise guests.’ The event featured slides of pine needles and long lines of concerned campers who were told to bring snacks and positive vibes.

Retailers quickly stocked novelty kits for campers and visitors, including the ‘emergency plague prevention kit’, a tongue-in-cheek bundle that promises ‘peace of mind with a side of hand sanitizer.’ People lined up, partly for shopping, partly for the photo opp with a big cardboard beaker.

Tourists wondered if Lake Tahoe had become a ‘germ-lustrous’ backdrop for the next viral video. Locals advised them to take a deep breath and check their backpacks for clean socks.

Health officials pledged a thorough investigation, with dashboards showing the number of pine cones tested for harmless bacteria. The press conference featured a map of the campground with red circles around picnic tables where nothing happened.

Caution signs around the campgrounds now warn: if you can’t pronounce ‘plague’ you shouldn’t attempt to pronounce ‘outdoor romance’.

Wildlife remained unimpressed and kept raiding camp stoves, as otters and raccoons continued their half-marathon on the lake’s edge.

Some pundits argued the real outbreak was social media hysteria, which multiplies faster than a pine cone can roll downhill.

Authorities urge visitors to respect the forest, obey advisories, and, above all, pack sense of humor, because Lake Tahoe apparently loves dramatic headlines as much as dramatic sunsets.