LA Flea-Borne Typhus Hits 220 Cases, Is Your Home Safe?
LA health officials warn locals about a rising outbreak and how to protect pets.
Seven cases. That is the recent count in Mid-Wilshire but the real number for Angelenos is much higher. LA County health officials recorded about 220 cases last year. This is the most cases ever recorded in the county according to officials.
At least seven cases were reported in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood recently. Six people had to be hospitalized but everyone has recovered. This is the second time officials have warned about this bacteria in the county. Similar outbreaks also occurred in Santa Monica and Willowbrook.
Understanding how to prevent this infection is key for renters and homeowners. Health officials say the bacteria is spread by fleas found on rats, free-roaming cats, and opossums. Symptoms usually appear in one to two weeks and include fever, rash, and body aches.
To protect your home, officials urge you to use flea control year-round on pets. Also, make sure trash bin lids are closed and block any cracks where these pests can hide.
Advertisement
First reported by LA Times: California.
The Cali Reporter newsletter
The stories worth your time.
California, the country, and what comes next. Join our free newsletter for reporting that keeps you informed.
More in California
- Elderly Man Robbed in Costco Parking Lot, Four Arrested
A 91-year-old man reported a theft of a ring during an interaction at a Costco in Modesto, leading to the arrest of four individuals.
- Federal Court Halts Closure of East Potomac Park
A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the Trump-Vance administration from closing East Potomac Park as part of a plan to convert the area into an exclusive golf course.
- CMS Announces Optional Six-Month Delay for Medicaid Work Requirements
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced an optional six-month delay for states implementing Medicaid work requirements, according to a report by KFF.