California health officials are reminding residents to stay vigilant against ticks after confirming a rare tick-borne illness in a Northern California resident earlier this year.

The patient was diagnosed in April with Rickettsia lanei, an extremely uncommon bacterial infection that shares similarities with Rocky Mountain spotted fever. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the individual was hospitalized but has since made a full recovery.

What makes this case particularly noteworthy is just how rare the illness is. Health officials say only four cases have ever been documented worldwide, with three of those occurring in California. Previous California cases were reported in 2004 and 2023.

Symptoms associated with Rickettsia lanei can include fever, headaches, skin rashes, and other potentially serious complications if left untreated. Officials have not released additional details about the patient's symptoms, length of hospitalization, or exact location, citing privacy concerns. They did confirm that the individual both lived and worked in Northern California.

The bacteria belong to the "spotted fever group" of Rickettsia, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Experts warn that tick activity is especially high during the summer months, increasing the risk of exposure for people spending time outdoors.

In California, three tick species are known to carry bacteria capable of causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever in both humans and dogs:

• American dog tick
• Pacific Coast tick
• Brown dog tick

The Pacific Coast tick can also transmit Pacific Coast tick fever, another tick-borne illness found in the state.

Health officials emphasize that prevention is the best defense. If you're hiking, camping, gardening, or spending time in grassy or wooded areas, use tick repellent, wear protective clothing, and regularly check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. Because some ticks can transmit disease shortly after attaching, prompt removal is important.

While cases of Rickettsia lanei remain exceptionally rare, this latest diagnosis serves as a reminder that tick-borne diseases are a real concern in California, especially during peak tick season. Staying aware and taking simple precautions can help keep outdoor adventures safe this summer.

Image Credit: GeologyHub on YouTube

Stress Along California's San Andreas Fault Reaches Highest Levels in 1,000 Years, Study Finds

A new study is raising fresh concerns about California's earthquake risk, revealing that stress levels along the San Andreas Fault and the San Jacinto Fault Zone have reached their highest point in the last 1,000 years.

Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa say the fault systems are now in what they describe as a "critically loaded state," meaning the pressure that is typically released through major earthquakes has continued to build over time. It's been roughly 160 years since the region experienced its last major rupture, and scientists say that stored energy may be reaching unprecedented levels.

The findings, recently published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, suggest that several segments of these fault systems are now carrying more stress than at any other point over the past millennium.

"Our results show that stress levels on multiple fault segments are now at or above the highest values seen in the past millennium and that the region may be capable of a large through-going rupture involving both fault systems," said lead author Liliane Burkhard.

One area of particular interest is the Cajon Pass in Southern California. Researchers describe it as a possible "earthquake gate" that could determine whether the San Andreas Fault and San Jacinto Fault Zone rupture separately or together during a major seismic event.

In some scenarios, the Cajon Pass may help prevent a combined rupture. In others, it could actually allow both fault systems to break simultaneously. According to the study, a joint rupture would likely be far more destructive, potentially impacting millions of people across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and the Coachella Valley.

"The conditions that determine whether the 'earthquake gate' at Cajon Pass opens or stays closed appear to be related to how closely the stress levels on the two fault systems are aligned with each other at the time of rupture," Burkhard explained.

To conduct the research, scientists analyzed 1,000 years of earthquake history using sophisticated computer models. They reconstructed the region's seismic past through geological evidence, including radiocarbon dating of displaced sediments and tree-ring records.

Despite the alarming findings, researchers emphasize that this is not a prediction that a major earthquake is imminent.

"This is not a prediction of when an earthquake will happen," Burkhard said. "What we can say is that the system is critically stressed, and that physics-based models like this one give us a clearer picture of the range of scenarios we should be prepared for."

The study's authors say the research can help improve hazard assessments, guide infrastructure planning, and strengthen emergency preparedness efforts.

For Californians, the message remains the same: be prepared. State officials continue to encourage residents to have emergency plans, build disaster supply kits, and know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

As California waits for its next major seismic event, scientists continue working to better understand the forces building beneath our feet. While no one can predict exactly when "The Big One" will strike, experts agree that preparation today could make all the difference tomorrow.

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When it comes to grabbing a quick bite, Americans have spoken — and McDonald's is still the king of fast food.

A new report from market research and data analytics firm YouGov surveyed 48,400 consumers to find out which fast-food chains people are most likely to choose when hunger strikes. The results, compiled for the company's annual "Best Bites" report for 2026, reveal that while diners appreciate quality and value, convenience remains a major factor in deciding where to eat.

Participants were surveyed between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, and were asked a simple question: "When you are in the market to purchase food or drink, from which of the following would you consider purchasing?"

The answer? Nearly 40% of respondents (39.6%) said they would choose McDonald's for their next fast-food meal.

Coming in behind the Golden Arches were:

• Chick-fil-A – 35.5%
• Wendy's – 33.2%
• Burger King – 31.6%
• Taco Bell – 31.2%

While McDonald's claimed the overall top spot, it didn't dominate every category.

In a separate survey of 11,600 consumers, YouGov asked diners which chains offered the best quality and value. Chick-fil-A earned top honors for quality, while Wendy's was recognized as the best value in fast food.

So why did McDonald's still come out on top?

According to Ashley Brown, senior director at YouGov America and one of the report's lead researchers, the secret isn't just low prices.

"The winning formula is not just low prices. It is clear value, reliable quality, and the right kind of convenience for each audience," Brown explained.

She added that McDonald's strength lies in its accessibility and familiarity. Even if other chains score higher in areas like customer satisfaction or perceived quality, McDonald's remains the easiest choice for many consumers because it's fast, convenient, widely available, and generally seen as a good value.

And let's not forget one of the chain's most iconic menu items: its fries.

According to the report, McDonald's won the title for America's favorite fast-food fries by a landslide. Nearly 40% of respondents (39.2%) picked McDonald's fries as their favorite, while Five Guys, which finished in second place, received just 9% of the vote.

McDonald's also cracked YouGov's list of favorite fast-food burgers, landing in the No. 5 spot.

The results suggest that while consumers may seek out Chick-fil-A for quality or Wendy's for value, McDonald's continues to win where it matters most: being a dependable, familiar option that's never too far away.

Whether you're stopping in for a Big Mac, a basket of fries, or a quick breakfast sandwich on the way to work, America's love affair with McDonald's doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.