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According to health officials, dozens of people living in the Los Angeles area have been diagnosed with typhus, a relatively rare bacterial disease transmitted by fleas.
Although cases of typhus occur normally in the region, authorities have seen a spike in recent months, according to the Los Angeles County Public Health Department.
From July to September, nine cases of typhus were reported in downtown Los Angeles alone, a group that is generally important to the region, according to a health alert from the County Health Department. And the city of Pasadena has reported "epidemic levels" of the disease, with 20 cases registered so far this year – well above the five cases of the city usually a year. In Long Beach, 12 cases were reported this year, double the number reported in previous years, officials said. [5 Weird Effects of Bug Bites]
Typhus is caused by a bacteria called Rickettsia typhi or Rickettsia prowazekii, which are carried by fleas. People contract the disease when they are exposed to infected fleas and bacteria enter the skin through scratches or other cuts or scratches, according to the Long Beach Department of Health and Social Services. .
In humans, typhus can cause high fever, chills, headaches and rashes. It is treatable with antibiotics.
In the Los Angeles area, infected fleas are most commonly carried by rats, feral cats and opossums. Places where there is an accumulation of litter can attract these animals and increase the risk of exposure to infected fleas, the Los Angeles County Public Health Department said in a statement.
To help prevent typhus, the Department of Health recommends:
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use flea control products on pets;
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use an insect repellent with DEET;
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avoid wild or stray animals;
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store waste in boxes with secure lids.
Originally published on Science live.
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