Typhus Cases On The Rise In Galveston

GALVESTON, TX – Typhus, a disease many thought had been eradicated, is making a comeback in Galveston County, health department officials said this week. Officials with the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston reported a steady increase in typhus cases during the last 12 months.

Overall, 35 cases of typhus have been reported in Galveston County since 2017, with 18 of those occurring this summer, according to UTMB officials.

Typhus is transmitted by fleas, which can end up on the family dog or cat, and find its way into the home, making pet lovers susceptible to the disease. People can also become infected with typhus through infected flea feces, either by scratching or breathing it in.

The infected person may not experience any symptoms for 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms can vary but often include a headache, fever, chills, vomiting and a rash. Patients who get the disease will need a strong regimen of antibiotics.

Experts recommend home and pet owners use a flea treatment for their yards and and animals.

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Photo by CSIRO via Getty Image

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