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Pet homeowners, beware: Flea-borne typhus is on the rise in components of Southern California.
A flea turns into contaminated when it bites rats, opossums and stray cats which might be carrying the illness. The illness is attributable to Rickettsia typhi micro organism, which will be unfold to people when feces from contaminated fleas is rubbed into cuts or scrapes on the pores and skin or into the eyes.
Within the U.S., most instances of flea-borne typhus happen in Texas, California and Hawaii, with a mean of about 300 instances annually nationwide, based on the California Division of Public Well being.
The illness happens year-round in areas of Los Angeles and Orange counties, however instances are inclined to peak throughout late summer time and fall months.
Up to now this 12 months, 79 instances of flea-borne typhus—confirmed, possible or suspected—have been reported in Los Angeles County, apart from the cities of Lengthy Seaside and Pasadena, based on the County Public Well being Division. For all of final 12 months, the county had a complete of 187 instances, and it estimated 124 instances in 2023.
The town of Lengthy Seaside reported 20 instances as of July 31, a bounce from 12 instances throughout the identical interval in 2024. On common, town has reported 20 instances annually, and “if this trend continues, Long Beach is expected to surpass its 2021 record of 28 cases reported in a single year,” based on town’s Division of Well being and Human Companies.
No less than 75% of the individuals with the illness in Lengthy Seaside had been hospitalized, and all have recovered.
Who’s susceptible to contracting flea-borne typhus
In areas the place the illness is prevalent, you might be most susceptible to getting typhus from contaminated fleas in the event you contact, pet or come into contact with rats, opossums and stray cats.
Even when the illness is not widespread in your neighborhood, public well being consultants say you need to nonetheless keep away from animals that may carry the contaminated fleas.
Individuals who reside outside or in housing that’s infested with rats or different rodents are additionally susceptible to contracting the illness.
The best way to maintain fleas and illness at bay
State and native public well being consultants present the next steering on how you can forestall fleas from clinging onto your pet and conserving them out of your property.
To maintain contaminated fleas away from pets, maintain them indoors and deal with them commonly with flea management drugs.
Keep away from attracting stray cats or rodents which might be carrying contaminated fleas by conserving your trash cans lined always. Do not depart trash or your pet meals exterior as that may entice animals to your property.
Do not befriend or feed strays in your neighborhood that might be carriers of contaminated fleas.
Stop contaminated fleas or small animals from moving into or residing in your property by clearing overgrown vegetation and muddle. If there are any openings or crawl areas in your house, seal them.
These are the signs and therapy for typhus
Signs of flea-borne typhus embrace fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and a rash on or across the chest, sides and again.
Though uncommon, swelling can happen within the lining of the mind (meningitis) or within the coronary heart valves (endocarditis), based on the Los Angeles County Public Well being Division.
Dying from the illness is unusual, however it has occurred in Los Angeles County. In 2022, there have been three deaths attributable to flea-borne typhus. All of the victims had been adults who had different underlying medical circumstances.
You probably have any signs of the illness, attain out to your well being care supplier straight away for therapy.
Flea-borne typhus will be handled with antibiotics.
2025 Los Angeles Occasions. Distributed by Tribune Content material Company, LLC.
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Flea-borne typhus infections are on the rise in Southern California: The best way to defend your self and your pets (2025, August 7)
retrieved 7 August 2025
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