Typhus Found in Manhattan Beach

Pet lovers were being urged Thursday to restrain their hospitable impulses and refrain from feeding or interacting with feral cats following a reported case of typhus in Manhattan Beach.

On Dec. 12, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health contacted residents in the neighborhood around Polliwog Park about a single case of endemic typhus fever, according to Manhattan Beach police spokeswoman Stephanie Martin.

"Although the city of Manhattan Beach and the police department were
not provided any notification, we are currently working in partnership with the
Department of Public Health to assure our community and provide as much
information as possible," Martin said. "It is important to know that there is
no confirmation regarding how our resident contracted endemic typhus fever."

Flea-borne typhus, also known as endemic typhus and murine typhus, is a disease primarily transmitted to humans by feral cats, opossums and raccoons. 

Some people infected with flea-borne typhus will experience symptoms including a severe headache, a sustained high fever, body aches, weakness, confusion and a rash on the chest, back, arms and/or legs.

The county Health Department warned residents that the best way to
prevent the spread of the disease was to keep their pets isolated from feral
cats and their fleas, widely known as typhus carriers.

Madeline Bernstein, president of spcaLA, said pets should be kept indoors, with up-to-date flea prevention and vaccination, and that they should also be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted socializing with their feral counterparts.

Bernstein said homeowners should also screen potential building access
holes, eliminate food sources and secure external trash storage.

- City News Service

• Related: Flea-Borne Typhus: How to Diagnose, Avoid the Disease