Flea-borne typhus also known as Endemic typhus, and Murine typhus, is transmitted by fleas. It is caused by the bacteria, Rickettsia typhi, and Rickettsia felis, found in infected fleas and their feces. Both rickettsiae are transmitted transovarily (the female fleas transmit the disease to their offspring).

For important information regarding how to protect yourself and your pets from Typhus, please download this .PDF document. This is also available as a printed-out flyer at the District.

What Are The Symptoms?

Symptoms begin from one to two weeks after exposure, and include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Body aches and pains
• Rash on chest, back, arms and/or legs

Many cases require hospitalization. Because flea-borne typhus shares symptoms with many other diseases, a blood test is required to confirm any diagnosis.

How Is The Disease Treated?

This disease is readily treatable with the appropriate antibiotic therapy.

How Have Humans Contributed To The Continued Threat Of This Disease?

Humans have played an active role, first by introducing non-native opossums, cats and roof rats, the animals that are involved in facilitating the disease. People have also controlled predators and created other environmental conditions that are attractive to these introduced species and therefore conducive to the maintenance and spread of flea-borne typhus. Leaving pet food out at night may be all it takes. These animals are often present in significant numbers in commercial and residential communities.

How Do I Get Flea-Borne Typhus?

Fleas defecate as they feed. Infection occurs when flea feces containing the disease agent are scratched into the bite site or other wound, are transferred to the eye (conjunctiva) or enter the airway.

Even though cats, racoons or opossums maybe infected, they do not show symptoms. Remember flea-borne typhus is transmitted transovarily, from mother fleas to her eggs. Cats, dogs, opossums skunks, raccoons and occasionally roof rats serve largely to nourish the fleas and transport them. The mammals are not otherwise necessary for the maintenance of the disease. Pet dogs and cats do not show signs of illness.

The Suburban Cycle of this disease is found in residential communities. The disease is transmitted by the common cat flea which can be found on:

• Opossums
• Raccoons
• Skunks
• Feral and domestic cats
• Dogs
• Rats
• Any other mammal that can carry fleas.

How Will I Know If My Pet Has Flea-Borne Typhus?

Pet owners should also keep their pets up-to-date on a flea control program, controlling fleas is the best way to prevent transmittion of Typhus. In addition to flea control the other effective way of protecting yourself and your family is by making your property unattractive to wildlife by removing food sources and overgrown vegetation.

What Animals Are Involved?

The domestic cat, domestic dog, roof rat, raccoon, skunk, and the opossum, are responsible for bringing infected fleas into contact with the human population. The animal may or may not become infected. Infected animals usually do not display symptoms.

Where Can This Disease Be Found?

The disease is becoming more common in some residential communities. Flea-borne typhus is transovarily transmitted and is found in the fleas from opossums, racoons, domestic cats, and occasionally roof rats. It is transferred to humans by the cat flea.

What Steps Can I Take To Avoid Contracting The Disease?

• Pets, yards, and homes should be kept free of fleas.

Oral and topical flea control medications can be used on pets to control and prevent flea problems. Consult your veterinarian for advice.

When purchasing pesticides to treat yards and homes, use only materials which state "for flea control" on the label, and follow directions carefully.

• Eliminate places where wild animals can find shelter.

Yards should be kept clear of heavy undergrowth and accumulated debris to reduce areas where animals may nest or hide. Buildings should be examined and repaired to exclude rodents, opossums, and stray or feral cats.

• Eliminate all food sources.

Open trash cans, bird feeders, fallen fruit, and pet food attract rodents and other animals. Pick up all fallen fruit and do not leave pet food out at night.

• Take personal precautions.

Wear protective equipment such as a particle mask or respirator, goggles, and gloves when cleaning areas that may have been infested by rodents, raccoons, skunks, opossums or stray cats.

When opossums or feral cats become pests, well-intentioned individuals will sometimes attempt to capture and relocate these animals to other areas. This practice violates California Fish and Game laws and is considered inhumane.

Prior to trapping opossums and stray or feral cats on your property, contact your local animal control agency or the Humane Society.

Do Not Relocate Animals! (This practice helps spread the disease.)

How Can I Obtain Additional Information?

More information is available from:
Centers for Disease Control,
www.cdc.gov

California Department of Public Health
www.cdph.ca.gov

Orange County Health Department
www.ochealthinfo.com

Orange County Health Care Agency Animal Care Services
www.ocpetinfo.com

Orange County Vector Control District
13001 Garden Grove Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92843
714-971-2421
www.ocvcd.org