Flea-Borne Typhus Infections On The Rise In Long Beach: Officials

LONG BEACH, CA — Health officials in Long Beach say they're seeing an unusual number of flea-borne typhus infections so far this year and are asking community members to take steps to help mitigate the issue.

Although typhus infections can occur throughout the year, they are more prominent during the summer and fall months, according to the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services.

As of July 31, there have been 20 cases in Long Beach typhus infections, according to the health department. At this point last year, there were only 12 cases, according to the health department.

The city, on average, sees about 20 total cases each year. In 2021, the city had a record 28 cases, officials said. If the trend continues this year, the number of infections is expected to surpass the 2021 record, they added.

"Typhus is a bacterial disease spread to people by infected fleas typically carried by rats, opossums, community cats and other animals," the department said in a statement Monday morning. "Typhus is not spread from person to person."

Symptoms associated with typhus include a high fever, headache, body aches, rashes and chills, according to the department. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Thus far, 15 of the 20 people who contracted typhus this year have been hospitalized and fully recovered, according to the department.

To avoid or mitigate the risks of a typhus infection, the health department recommends community members take the following actions:

• Keep pets indoor and give them flea control medication on a regular basis.
• Avoid interactions with wild animals such as rats and opossums, or stray cats.
• Clear weeds, overgrown vegetation and clutter around homes.
• Remove outdoor food sources and make sure trash bins are covered.
• Seal any openings or crawl spaces under homes.
• Report dead animals to Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562-570-7387.

"The Health Department is actively monitoring the situation through disease surveillance, case investigation and working with local healthcare providers," health officials said in a statement. "Community education efforts are also being expanded to help residents understand the risks and how to protect themselves."