Health officials are urging residents to take precautions after flea-borne typhus cases increased in Los Angeles County.
Flea-borne typhus is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi and is transmitted through infected fleas, which are commonly found on rats, opossums and free-roaming cats. Pets such as dogs and cats that go outdoors can bring fleas into and around homes. Infected animals typically do not show signs of illness.
People can become infected when flea feces are rubbed into cuts or scrapes on the skin or come into contact with the eyes. The illness is not spread from person to person, according to Public Health officials…