Los Angeles County public health officials say they have confirmed a case of endemic typhus fever in Manhattan Beach, in the neighborhood around Polliwog Park, officials said in a statement Thursday.

Officials did not release any information about the patient’s identity or condition. It was also unclear whether this was a new case of typhus. In December, Manhattan Beach officials said county public health officials had contacted residents in the same neighborhood regarding a case of typhus and handed out brochures about how to take precautions against the disease.

Typhus is spread by bacteria-infected fleas, found on cats, opossums and rats. Infected people suffer from fever, headaches, chills and body aches. Though typhus often requires hospitalization, it is usually treatable with antibiotics.


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jessica.garrison@latimes.com

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