In cooperation with the Veterinary Public Health Program and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, we’d like to share information on flea borne typhus.
During the second half of 2016, a human case or case(s) of flea-borne typhus were reported within the zip code where Center Sinai is located or in a nearby zip code. This could indicate that fleas in our local area are infected with the pathogens that cause flea-borne typhus: Rickettsia typhi or Rickettsia felis.
What is Flea borne typhus?
Flea borne typhus disease is transmitted to human by fleas from pets, larger peridomestic wildlife (especially opossums) and from rodents. It does not cause illness in animals. The disease is transmitted through flea feces. Many flea species defecate while biting, and transmission usually occurs when a patient scratches at a flea bite.
Protect Yourself & Your Neighbors from Flea-Borne Typhus (PDF)
Protect Yourself & Your Neighbors from Flea-Borne Typhus (PDF – Español)
FAQ regarding Flea-Borne Typhus (PDF)
FAQ regarding Flea-Borne Typhus (PDF – Español)
Tips to keep your family and pets healthy (PDF)
Tips to keep your family and pets healthy (PDF – Español)
Where can I learn more?
You can read more about flea borne typhus, including data on cases – here: