Rat Control Pasadena

Murine Typhus Cases Reported in Pasadena in Recent Years

Pasadena, CA – Within the last five years, there have been confirmed human cases of murine typhus, a disease transmitted by fleas from rodents, in the city of Pasadena. Reports from the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) indicate a consistent presence of the disease in the area, with a notable number of cases reported between 2018 and 2022.

According to the PPHD’s “2022 Communicable Disease Report,” Pasadena accounted for a significant 5.4% of all flea-borne typhus cases in California between 2018 and 2022, with a total of 45 cases reported in the city during this period. An earlier report from 2020 highlighted that Pasadena has the highest rates of typhus fever when compared to all other city or county health jurisdictions in the state. The city experienced a significant peak in cases in 2018, followed by a decrease in 2019 and 2020.

Murine typhus is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi and is spread to humans through contact with infected fleas.¹ The fleas are often carried by rats, opossums, and other small animals. Symptoms of murine typhus can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and rash. While the illness is treatable with antibiotics, it can cause severe complications if left untreated.

Residents are advised to take precautions to prevent rodent infestations in and around their homes to reduce the risk of exposure to rodent-borne diseases. These measures include sealing holes and cracks in homes, removing food and water sources that may attract rodents, and keeping yards clean and free of debris.

For more detailed information, residents can refer to the communicable disease reports published by the Pasadena Public Health Department:

• 2022 Communicable Disease Report: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2022-Communicable-Disease-Report.pdf
• 2020 Annual Report of Communicable Diseases in Pasadena: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2020-Communicable-Disease-Report.pdf