Typhus, a flea-borne bacterial disease, is on the rise in Los Angeles County, with the latest localized case reported in the Wilshire Center neighborhood, public health officials said Tuesday.
The disease is spread to humans by infected fleas that commonly live on rats, opossums, stray cats and other animals. Common symptoms include headaches, chills, muscle aches and rash.
The Wilshire Center case is the second localized typhus outbreak this year, according to the LA County Department of Public Health.
There were at least seven symptomatic cases linked to the outbreak, health officials said. Six of the seven patients had to be hospitalized at one point. All have recovered, the department said.
So far this year, 109 flea-borne typhus cases have been reported in Los Angeles County.
While people of all ages and backgrounds can be infected, those exposed to infected fleas carried by outdoor pets, rats, opossums and free-roaming cats may be more vulnerable.
Health officials urged people with symptoms to seek medical care promptly, as typhus can be effectively treated with antibiotics when discovered early.
“As flea-borne typhus cases continue to increase across Los Angeles County, preventing exposure to fleas on free-roaming animals and wildlife is more important than ever,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Community members can help protect themselves and their neighbors by keeping pets on flea control year-round, rodent-proofing their homes and making sure wildlife cannot live in or around their homes. Simple steps can prevent serious illness.”