Flea-Borne Typhus Led To three Deaths In LA County; Know Signs, Methods To Stop Illness

Well being officers have issued a warning towards flea-borne typhus as circumstances surge in Los Angeles County in California.

Flea-borne typhus or murine typhus is an an infection brought on by the micro organism Rickettsia typhi, which unfold to individuals by way of contact with contaminated fleas. The micro organism enter the human physique by way of flea bites or when uncovered to flea grime. An individual contaminated with the micro organism doesn’t unfold it to a different by way of contact.

Though hardly ever deadly, the illness was related to three deaths in LA County final 12 months, in line with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC).

“Reported flea-borne typhus circumstances in Los Angeles County have been growing since 2010, with the very best quantity (171) reported throughout 2022. Throughout June–October 2022, Los Angeles County Division of Public Well being discovered of three flea-borne typhus–related deaths,” the company stated in a report.

Officers request healthcare suppliers to display screen sufferers for flea-borne typhus in the event that they present signs.

“Well being care suppliers ought to think about flea-borne typhus in any affected person with fever, headache and rash, significantly if the affected person lives in or not too long ago traveled to an space with endemic illness or had publicity to a reservoir animal,” researchers with the CDC wrote.

Signs of flea-borne typhus

Many individuals have gentle or no signs in any respect. Nonetheless, some might develop signs inside two weeks of contact with contaminated fleas or flea grime.

• Fever and chills
• Headache, physique ache
• Lack of urge for food
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdomen ache
• Cough
• Rash on the chest that spreads to the perimeters and again

Analysis

For the reason that signs of flea-borne typhus are much like many different sicknesses, you will need to seek the advice of a healthcare supplier to verify the illness. The prognosis is completed by way of blood checks that examine for typhus-causing micro organism or antibodies that point out publicity to the micro organism.

Remedy

The remedy includes using the antibiotics doxycycline. Sufferers who begin antibiotics quickly after the signs seem usually recuperate shortly from the an infection.

Flea-borne typhus when left untreated can result in critical issues, together with harm to the kidney, liver, coronary heart, lungs and mind.

Prevention

Since there isn’t any vaccine for flea-borne typhus, the simplest technique to forestall the illness is to keep away from contact with fleas.

1. Defend from flea bites – Keep away from contact with wild or stray animals and use gloves whereas dealing with them to stop flea bites. Be certain that to spray insect repellants on the pores and skin and clothes whereas spending time outside.

2. Maintain pets from fleas – Use flea-control merchandise reminiscent of flea collars or oral medicines on cats and canines to maintain them protected from fleas.

3. Maintain rodents away from house – Retailer pet meals in tight containers and hold the trash cans lined to stop rodents from getting into the house.

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