Typhus reported in Burbank and Downey
Los Angeles County health officials confirmed Friday that cases of flea-borne Typhus have been found in Burbank and Downey.
In a statement, the president of the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles urged pet owners to do what they can to minimize risk of infection of the infectious, flu-like disease.
“To pet owners, I urge you to keep your pets inside, and make sure they are current on flea treatment,” said Madeline Bernstein. “Be sure to treat your house and yard for fleas, to eliminate the risk brought in by area wildlife.”
Bernstein asked people who care for feral cats to take precautions, as such animals often have fleas, but said the outbreak was no reason to “demonize” the cats or their caretakers.
In August 2012, four Burbank residents came down with the disease, sending one 70-year-old man to the hospital for three weeks.
-- Dan Evans, dan.evans@latimes.com
Follow on Twitter: @EditorDanEvans.
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