The health and safety of our community are always top priorities.
Recently, the city of Long Beach issued a press release alerting the public to a concerning uptick in human cases of Typhus in 2025. They have already noted 20 cases, which is almost double the amount from the same time frame last year! This serves as an important reminder that Typhus is endemic – meaning it's always present – in Southern California, with most cases historically noted in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
What is Typhus?
Typhus is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi. This bacterium can infect people through inhalation, ingestion, or when an open skin wound (like a small cut or cracked skin) comes in contact with infected flea feces, often referred to as "flea dirt."
The primary carriers of these infected fleas are common wildlife in our communities, such as opossums, rats, and
stray cats. These animals often live in our backyards, parks, and other urban spaces, acting as a source of infected fleas that can then infect our beloved pets, who share our homes. We don't often see these critters, as they are typically most active at night.
While dogs and cats typically don't show any signs of infection, humans may develop a range of symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Cough
- Altered mental status
- A truncal rash
It's crucial to note the severity of recent cases: 75% of the cases recently reported in Long Beach required hospitalization.
What’s the Best Plan to Keep Your Whole Family Safe?
The good news is that if you prevent flea contact, you can prevent Typhus! You can significantly reduce the risk for both your human and pet family members by ensuring your dog and cat are on year-round flea prevention.
- For comprehensive tips on flea control, check out our related blog post: How to get fleas to flee!
In addition to consistent flea prevention for your pets, here are other crucial steps:
- Avoid leaving pet food or trash outside where rats or other wildlife would congregate.
- Prevent rodents from getting into your house by sealing any holes or entry points where they can gain access.
The California Department of Public Health has also provided a helpful flyer that breaks down what every Californian needs to know about Typhus prevention.
Protect Your Family Today!
Don't wait until it's too late. Call Newport Harbor Animal Hospital today to get your pet's flea prevention prescription and help keep you and your entire family happy and healthy.
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