The city of Long Beach is seeing a significant increase in the number of typhus cases. In the first six months of 2021, the number of cases has more than doubled when compared to the same time period during previous years.
So far, 10 cases have been reported this year. While still a low number, the city generally averages only 4 cases by the mid-point of a year.
Flea-borne typhus is caused by the bacteria (Rickettsia typhi), and is transmitted by infected fleas. Infected fleas can be carried by rats, cats, dogs, raccoons, and opossums.
Symptoms begin within two weeks after contact with an infected flea. Some of the signs are high fever, headache, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and rash. Antibiotics are typically used for treating typhus.
To help prevent typhus, health department officials are asking for you to make sure your cats and dogs are kept free of fleas.
Additional steps would include:
• Don’t leave pet food outdoors.
• Avoid clutter and overgrown vegetation that may harbor wild animals.
• Don’t feed wild animals.
• Store trash in cans with secure lids.
• Apply an EPA-registered insect repellant for use against fleas when you are outdoors.
Typhus Cases Are On The Rise In Long Beach
August 18, 2021 by