Health officials have issued a warning against flea-borne typhus as cases surge in Los Angeles County in California.
Flea-borne typhus or murine typhus is an infection attributable to the bacteria Rickettsia typhi, which spread to people through contact with infected fleas. The bacteria enter the human body through flea bites or when exposed to flea dirt. An individual infected with the bacteria doesn’t spread it to a different through contact.
Although rarely fatal, the disease was related to three deaths in LA County last 12 months, in keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Reported flea-borne typhus cases in Los Angeles County have been increasing since 2010, with the best number (171) reported during 2022. During June–October 2022, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health learned of three flea-borne typhus–associated deaths,” the agency said in a report.
Officials request healthcare providers to screen patients for flea-borne typhus in the event that they show symptoms.
“Health care providers should consider flea-borne typhus in any patient with fever, headache and rash, particularly if the patient lives in or recently traveled to an area with endemic disease or had exposure to a reservoir animal,” researchers with the CDC wrote.
Symptoms of flea-borne typhus
Many individuals have mild or no symptoms in any respect. Nonetheless, some may develop symptoms inside two weeks of contact with infected fleas or flea dirt.
- Fever and chills
- Headache, body ache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Cough
- Rash on the chest that spreads to the perimeters and back
Diagnosis
For the reason that symptoms of flea-borne typhus are much like many other illnesses, it can be crucial to seek the advice of a healthcare provider to substantiate the disease. The diagnosis is completed through blood tests that check for typhus-causing bacteria or antibodies that indicate exposure to the bacteria.
Treatment
The treatment involves the usage of the antibiotics doxycycline. Patients who start antibiotics soon after the symptoms appear often get well quickly from the infection.
Flea-borne typhus when left untreated can result in serious complications, including damage to the kidney, liver, heart, lungs and brain.
Prevention
Since there isn’t any vaccine for flea-borne typhus, probably the most effective strategy to prevent the disease is to avoid contact with fleas.
1. Protect from flea bites – Avoid contact with wild or stray animals and use gloves while handling them to forestall flea bites. Be certain that to spray insect repellants on the skin and clothing while spending time outdoors.
2. Keep pets from fleas – Use flea-control products comparable to flea collars or oral medications on cats and dogs to maintain them secure from fleas.
3. Keep rodents away from home – Store pet food in tight containers and keep the trash cans covered to forestall rodents from entering the house.
Published by Medicaldaily.com