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.
First reported by LA Times: California.
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