Long Beach Health Officials Warn of Typhus Rise

A rise in flea-borne typhus cases is a cause for concern say Long Beach Health Department officials, who are advising residents to take steps to avoid exposure to the dangerous disease.

Nearly a dozen cases of flea-borne typhus (murine typhus) have been reported in Long Beach this year alone, up from last year's entire count of nine cases and zero prior to 2006, according to the health department.

In addition to a public warning, the 11 new cases prompted a detailed investigation that has led researchers to believe the disease is being spread by fleas on cats, mice, opossums, raccoons and other rodents.

Earlier this year, city officials in Orange County, which has also been experiencing an increase in typhus cases, began rounding up feral cats in an attempt to curb the spread of infection.

Chracterized by severe headaches, rashes, high fevers and body aches, symptoms can also include chills, vomiting and confusion. The word typhus comes from the Greek word for smoke or stupor due to the accompanying disorientation noted throughout its long history.

Once considered a deadly disease, typhus is rarely fatal nowadays, although it can result in hospitalization.

Public health officials will continue to monitor and test for evidence of flea-borne typhus in areas throughout the city, as well as distribute informational materials to the public, veterinarians and health care providors, according to a statement by the health department.

Endemic to the state of California, flea-borne typhus is here to stay but there are measures that can be taken to prevent it. To stay safe, the health department recommends following these guidelines: 

• Consult your veterinarian regarding safe flea control medications for your pets

• Keep your home and yard in good repair by removing overgrown vegetation and debris where rodents, opossums, and feral (wild) cats may hide

• Keep screens on crawl space covers and vents in good repair 

• Avoid contact with animals that carry fleas, and do not attempt to capture and relocate these animals to other areas

• Eliminate all food and water sources around your home, including open trash cans, fallen fruit around the yard, pet food and bird feeders

• When cleaning nesting areas of rats and opossums, spray area with disinfectant, and wear protective clothing and equipment (i.e., mask, goggles, gloves)

• When treating your yard or animal harborage areas with insecticides, only use products labeled for flea control and follow all directions carefully

• Contact the City's Animal Care Services by email at animalcare@longbeach.gov if you have questions about managing opossums and stray or feral cats on your property

• Report dead opossums or cats to Animal Care Services for removal by calling (562) 570-PETS (7387) 

For more information on urban wildlife, click here. For more information about flea-borne typhus, contact the Health Department's Epidemiology Program at (562) 570-4302 or click here.