Health Advisory: Flea-borne typhus risk in Santa Ana

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District has identified an increased risk of flea-borne typhus in the City of Santa Ana.

Flea-borne typhus is a potentially fatal disease that is primarily found in fleas that live on feral and domestic cats, dogs, opossums, rats, raccoons, skunks, squirrels and rabbits.

The key to preventing this disease is to avoid coming into contact with fleas:

• Keep pets on flea control year-round
• Don't touch or feed stray animals
• Don't leave pet food outdoors
• Keep your yard free of debris
• Trim overgrown plants and bushes
• Keep trash in containers with tightly fitted lids

Flea-borne typhus can cause fever, chills, headache, and rash. Seek medical care immediately if symptoms develop.

More information about flea-borne typhus is available at ocvector.org/flea-borne-typhus.