Fifth human case of flea typhus reported in Orange County

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) — Health advisories have been posted near the intersection of Slater Avenue and Magnolia Street in Fountain Valley after a case of flea-borne typhus was identified in the area.

“Most of the animals that spread the disease are cold-blooded. When it's warmer, they're more active,” explains Brian Brannon of Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control.

“It is spread through the actual flea droppings or excrement of the fleas. When you scratch yourself, the dirt gets into your bloodstream.”

There have been five confirmed cases of flea typhus in Orange County this year. The most recent case was reported in Fountain Valley earlier this month. One case was reported in Santa Ana in January and one in June.

Another case was identified in Anaheim in July and a fourth case was reported in Garden Grove earlier this month.

“We can always detect typhus on dead animals that we examine. We take them and test the fleas for the presence of the disease,” Brannon said.

Although typhus cannot be transmitted from person to person, authorities warn that pets can transmit fleas, which in turn cause the disease.

“Opossums are a big source of flea-borne typhus,” Brannon said. “Cats can also transmit it, so we strongly recommend not feeding feral cats. Don't pet feral cats. If you do, you'll be in trouble.”

Symptoms of typhoid include fever, rash and severe headache. Most cases are mild, but some require hospitalization.

“Typhoid can be a deadly disease, so we really need to be careful about it,” Brannon said.

No deaths have been reported in the cases identified in Orange County.

OC Vector recommends keeping your pets' flea treatments up to date, using insect repellents outdoors, and removing trash and food scraps around the house that may attract animals.

Anyone who sees a dead animal in their area is urged to call animal protection.