Man contracts typhus in Calif.

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SANTA ANA, Calif., May 26 (UPI) -- Santa Ana, Calif., residents have been warned to protect themselves against typhus after a man contracted the disease from a flea, officials said.

The man, who lived near Broadway and Washington in Santa Ana, contracted typhus earlier this week, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, reported.

Orange County Vector Control officials distributed literature throughout the city advising how people can protect themselves and their pets.

Flea-born typhus is caused by bacteria found on fleas and in their feces. Symptoms, which begin one to two weeks after exposure, include high fever, headaches, chills, body aches and pains, and a rash on arms, chest, back or legs.