Long Beach is experiencing a localized typhus outbreak and an increase in infections this year, city officials said Monday.
The city has reported 20 cases as of July 31, a 66% increase compared to 12 cases during the same period last year. Officials said the city is expected to surpass its 2021 record of 28 cases reported in a single year.
Typhus, a bacterial disease spread by infected fleas, is carried by animals like rats, opossums and community cats. Symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches, rashes, and chills, the city’s health department said.
Typhus can be treated with antibiotics but can cause severe illness if left untreated.
The department said the majority of cases occur in the summer and fall months, with an average of 20 cases are reported each year in the city.
“The increased observation in recent months highlights the importance of community awareness and prevention,” the Long Beach Health Department said.
Health officials are actively monitoring the situation and expanding community education efforts to help residents protect themselves.
Residents are urged to take the following precautions to prevent typhus:
- Keep pets indoors and treat them regularly for fleas.
- Avoid interactions with wild animals.
- Report dead animals to Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562.570.7387.
- Seal openings and crawl spaces under homes.
- Cover outdoor trash bins and remove pet food left outdoors.
- Clear overgrown vegetation and clutter around homes that could shelter wild animals.
People who think they have typhus should talk to a healthcare provider about treatment and testing.
More information on typhus can be found online.