California: Typhus cases up in Pasadena
The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has received an elevated number of reports of typhus fever infections in Pasadena compared to in other years (as of May), and would like to encourage the community to take action to prevent further infections.
Typhus fever is a disease spread to humans by infected fleas and can cause high fever, chills, headache and rash in people. Generally, one to five cases are reported in Pasadena per year, and most cases occur in the summer or fall.
However, in 2024, eight Pasadena residents have already been reported with typhus fever. All reported cases have received treatment and recovered.
In Pasadena, infected fleas are primarily carried by feral cats and opossums. People who regularly interact with these animals are at risk. Pet dogs and cats that are allowed outside can encounter infected fleas and expose their owners to these fleas.
Typhus is treatable with antibiotics with good recovery, however three deaths from typhus were reported in 2023 in Los Angeles County. Pets and animals do not get sick from typhus.
There are simple ways to prevent the spread of typhus:
Reduce yard debris and trim overgrown vegetation to discourage the presence of wild animals like feral cats and opossums
Do not leave pet food outdoors
Do not provide food or water for wild animals
Keep garbage containers tightly covered
Seal all openings and crawl spaces under the home
Routinely treat pet dogs and cats with flea control medication