Last summer, I reported about an outbreak of typhus. There has now been a case of human illness (luckily he recovered) of typhus. Typhus is a bacterial disease spread by infected fleas. Currently, feral cats in Santa Ana are being trapped in order to assess if they are carrying heavy flea burdens and if those fleas are carrying the disease. I know that some kind-hearted people are purposefully setting off the traps. Don’t. The county is trying to save human lives.
Symptoms of typhus include rash, fever, headaches, and pain. If antibiotics aren’t started it can be fatal.
Prevention is the key. Keep safe, effective flea control on your pet. If you insist on feeding/taking care of feral cats, use safe environmental flea control. I don’t want to get into any legal hot water, but I can say that last summer, commonly used topical flea control failed on numerous occasions. Which is why we no longer carry the product.
I strongly recommend topical Revolution (flea-tick-intestinal worm-heartworm-mites) or extra-label oral comfortis in cats. In dogs, I recommend Trifexis (oral flea-heartworm-intestinal worm control) or Revolution for dogs who don’t tolerate Trifexis. All should be given monthly year-round. Please use caution if ordering from the internet or stores. These are re-sold or gray market products and don’t carry any manufacturer guarantees of effectiveness or safety.
Pfizer (makers of Revolution) are currently having a promotion of buy 6 doses get 2 free or buy 9 doses, get 3 free.
Elanco (makers of Trifexis), have a rebate program for $10 off six month supply and $20 off twelve-month supply.
All of these flea products require a prescription.
www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/pressreleases/documents/20120525_typhus_advisory.pdf