The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is reporting an elevated number of typhus fever cases in the city compared to other years (as of May). Health officials are encouraging community members to take action to prevent future infections.

Typhus fever is a disease spread to humans by infected fleas and can cause symptoms like high fever, chills, headache and sometimes a rash. Usually, one to five cases are reported in Pasadena per year, but in 2024, that number has already jumped to eight. All reported cases received treatment and have since recovered.

The carrier — infected fleas — are usually carried by feral cats and opossums. People who often interact with such animals are at risk. Dogs and cats that are kept outside can also pick up infected fleas and pass them along to their owners.