Seal Beach warns on flea-borne typhus

The following information is released by the City of Seal Beach.

The City of Seal Beach is alerting the public about flea-borne typhus, a disease transmitted to humans by fleas. Orange County Vector Control (OCVC) reported that there are more cases of flea-borne typhus in Orange County this year compared to last year. OCVC maintains that rodents and opposums are still frequent carriers of the vector fleas. However, OCVC has also seen an increase in the number of domestic housecats carrying flea-borne typhus and stresses the importance of keeping your cat away from other animals that are known carriers of the vector fleas.

Flea-born typhus is not spread from person to person. People get the disease through bites of infected fleas. The most common symptoms of flea-borne typhus are high fevers, severe headaches, body aches and a rash. The disease is rarely fatal, but people can become sick enough to be hospitalized.

Public health officials will continue to monitor and test for evidence of flea-borne typhus in areas throughout the City. To reduce your chances of being exposed to this disease, Orange County Vector Control recommends you take the following precautions:

Remove pet food and other outside food sources.

Cover garbage containers.
Trim vegetation around buildings to discourage wildlife.
If you see dead opossums, cats or other animals on your property, call the Bureau of Animal Control at 562-570–7387.
Keep your pets indoors as much as possible and consult with your veterinarian about flea control products.

For more information please contact Orange County Vector Control at 714-971-2421.