State typhus cases
declining so far this year

WAILUKU » The number of murine typhus cases appears to be on the decline this year, compared with the same period last year and in 2002, when they reached the highest since the 1940s.

State health officials said the decrease in typhus cases could be due to an increase in state efforts to control rodent populations.

People typically contract murine typhus bacteria from fleas that first bite an infected rodent.

State health officials said that from January through yesterday, there were 26 confirmed murine typhus cases, including six on Oahu, 12 on Maui and eight on Kauai.

Last year for the same period, the number of murine typhus cases totaled 31, including 10 on Oahu, 14 on Maui and seven on Kauai.

There were 38 cases in 2003 and 47 in 2002 -- the highest since the 1940s.

"We may be able to attribute lower cases of marine typhus to the fact that we have increased surveillance and control methods for rodents," state health spokeswoman Darcie Yukimura said Wednesday.

State health entomologist Roy Furumizo said vector control workers have been doing more trapping of mice in areas of high rodent population.

Furumizo said residents have to do their part as well by not leaving out water bowls and food in dishes. He said residents should also keep the general area around their homes free of brush.