All articles tagged with #flea borne
A major flea-borne typhus outbreak is under investigation in Los Angeles' Pico-Union neighborhood, with five symptomatic cases linked to the outbreak this year; all patients were hospitalized but recovered. LA County Public Health notes exposure often comes from fleas brought indoors by pets or wildlife, and 2025 set a county record with 220 cases, highlighting the need for flea control and preventive measures.
Santa Monica is experiencing a flea-borne typhus outbreak with five cases, prompting health officials to increase monitoring and control efforts amid a regional surge in cases across Los Angeles County, which has seen a record high of 187 cases last year and 106 so far in 2025. The disease, transmitted by fleas from rodents and wildlife, can cause symptoms like fever, rash, and muscle pain, and is preventable through flea control and avoiding contact with stray animals. Authorities advise residents to take precautions and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
A Texas man, Michael Kohlhof, has had his hands and parts of his feet amputated after contracting a severe case of typhus from a flea bite. Kohlhof initially experienced flu-like symptoms before his condition rapidly worsened, leading to septic shock. He has undergone multiple amputations due to dry gangrene caused by sepsis. Typhus, an infectious disease transmitted by fleas, lice, and chiggers, is rare in the United States but has been reported in Southern California, Hawaii, and Texas. Kohlhof's family has set up a GoFundMe to support his treatment as he does not have health insurance.