All articles tagged with #flea borne typhus
Los Angeles County health officials warn of a rising number of flea-borne typhus cases, with a recent outbreak in Santa Monica, urging precautions such as flea control on pets and avoiding stray animals, as cases continue to increase since 2010, with 106 cases reported in 2025 so far.
Flea-borne typhus cases are rising in Southern California, especially in Los Angeles and Long Beach, primarily transmitted through fleas that bite rodents and stray animals. To prevent infection, pet owners should keep pets indoors, use flea control treatments, and avoid contact with stray animals and rodent-infested areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, rash, and muscle aches, and the disease can be treated with antibiotics. Public health officials advise measures to reduce flea exposure and protect both pets and humans.
A Texas man, Michael Kohlhof, had to undergo amputations of his hands and toes after being diagnosed with typhus, an infectious disease spread by fleas. Kohlhof initially thought he had flu-like symptoms until his feet went numb. Despite defying the odds and waking up from sedation, he experienced complications that led to the amputations. Kohlhof's family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover his medical expenses, as he does not have health insurance. Flea-borne typhus is rare in the United States, but it occurs in tropical and subtropical climates, including certain areas of Texas.