Typhus Cases Surge in Texas
Texas is experiencing a significant rise in typhus cases, a disease that can be fatal if not treated. It was nearly eradicated in the U.S. but is now starting to reappear.
Health officials are noting a spike in incidents, particularly in Texas. This resurgence has caught many people off guard, as it was often thought to be a relic of the past.
Taking the opportunity to illustrate the impact, a resident named Dana Clark, who is 76 years old, contracted typhus after working in her garden. While clearing weeds, she stirred up dust that contained flea droppings, which are known to carry the disease.
She shared her experience: “My great-grandmother’s pump organ – it’s a hundred and twenty years old.” However, just days after her exposure, she started showing symptoms like a high fever, intense headaches, and body aches. According to the CDC, a rash can also manifest. Fortunately, if caught early, antibiotics can lead to positive outcomes, but a delay in diagnosis may lead to severe complications, as Clark experienced.
Dr. Gregory Anstead, an infectious disease expert based in San Antonio, mentioned that, while still not widely known, typhus is becoming a concern again. He noted that in the ’90s, Texas had about 200 cases, but from 2010 to 2019, that number skyrocketed twelvefold. The increase isn’t limited to Texas; states like California and Hawaii are seeing similar trends.
In Los Angeles County alone, the cases jumped from 31 in 2010 to 171 in 2022. The CDC does not actively track typhus cases, as the illness had been relatively uncommon for many years. Interestingly, back in the 1940s, San Antonio became a focal point for combatting the disease, with public health officials launching an aggressive campaign against the disease’s carriers.
Dr. Anstead recounted that the U.S. Public Health Service distributed tons of DDT to combat flea infestations. This effort successfully reduced case numbers, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of coordinated public health measures.
Today, however, climate change is contributing to a resurgence of typhus, creating favorable conditions for both fleas and the bacteria associated with the disease. Some studies indicate that rat populations are increasing in urban areas like Washington, D.C., and New York City, which further exacerbates transmission risks.
Reflecting on her experience, Clark said, “It’s been a long ordeal.” Now she’s back to playing her piano and teaching music. As a precaution, she advises others to consider wearing an N95 mask while gardening to minimize inhaling potentially infected dust.
This health issue serves as a reminder of how quickly forgotten diseases can return under changing conditions.
