Flea-borne typhus infections are on the rise in SoCal: How to protect yourself and your pets

[ad_1] Pet house owners, beware: Flea-borne typhus is on the rise in elements of Southern California.

The excellent news is there are a number of commonsense methods to guard your pet and your self from getting contaminated.

A flea turns into contaminated when it bites rats, opossums and stray cats which are carrying the illness. The illness is brought on by 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 circumstances of flea-borne typhus happen in Texas, California and Hawaii, with a mean of about 300 circumstances annually nationwide, in line with the California Division of Public Well being.

The illness happens year-round in areas of Los Angeles and Orange counties, however circumstances are inclined to peak throughout late summer time and fall months.

To date this yr, 79 circumstances of flea-borne typhus — confirmed, possible or suspected — have been reported in Los Angeles County, apart from the cities of Lengthy Seaside and Pasadena, in line with the County Public Well being Division. For all of final yr, the county had a complete of 187, circumstances and it estimated 124 circumstances in 2023.

The town of Lengthy Seaside reported 20 circumstances as of July 31, a leap from 12 circumstances throughout the identical interval in 2024. On common town has reported 20 circumstances annually, and “if this development continues, Lengthy Seaside is anticipated to surpass its 2021 report of 28 circumstances reported in a single yr,” in line with town’s Division of Well being and Human Companies.

At the least 75% of the individuals with the illness in Lengthy Seaside have been hospitalized, and all have recovered.

Who's prone to contracting flea-borne typhus In areas have been the illness is prevalent, you're most prone to getting typhus from contaminated fleas should you contact, pet or come into contact with rats, opossums and stray cats.

Even when the illness isn’t widespread in your neighborhood, public well being consultants say it's best to nonetheless avoid animals that may carry the contaminated fleas.

Individuals who reside open air or in housing that's infested with rats or different rodents are additionally prone to contracting the illness.

The best way to maintain the fleas and illness at bay State and native public well being consultants present the next steerage on how one can forestall fleas from clinging onto your pet and preserving them out of your property.

To maintain contaminated fleas away from pets, maintain them indoors and deal with them frequently with flea management medication.

Keep away from attracting stray cats or rodents which are carrying contaminated fleas by preserving your trash cans coated always. Don’t go away trash or your pet meals outdoors as that may entice animals to your property.

Don’t befriend or feed strays in your neighborhood that might be carriers of the contaminated fleas.

Stop contaminated fleas or small animals from stepping 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 remedy 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), in line with the Los Angeles County Public Well being Division.

Loss of life from the illness is rare, but it surely has occurred in Los Angeles County. In 2022, there have been three deaths on account of flea-borne typhus, all victims have been adults who had different underlying medical situations.

When you have any signs of the illness, attain out to your healthcare supplier instantly for remedy.

Flea-borne typhus will be handled with antibiotics.

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Flea-borne typhus infections are on the rise in SoCal: How to protect yourself and your pets

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