LA County public health reports flea-borne typhus cases at all-time high

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported the highest-ever number of flea-borne typhus cases in 2025, with 220 cases. While cases were reported across the county, three areas were most affected, including Central Los Angeles City, Santa Monica, and Willowbrook.

The disease is treatable with antibiotics, but the county said that 9 out of 10 people identified last year with typhus required hospitalization.

Officials said pets or other animals carry infected fleas indoors, leaving people exposed in and around their homes. Fleas that spread typhus are commonly found on stray animals, rodents, and other wildlife such as opossums.

In 2024, 187 cases were reported in the county, and officials noted that the trend continues to move upward.

"Flea-borne typhus can cause serious illness, but it is preventable with simple steps," said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. He advised people to use flea control on pets, avoid contact with stray animals, and prevent wildlife from living in or around homes.

Symptoms typically appear within one to two weeks after becoming infected and may include fever, headache, rash, and body aches.

Infected animals typically do not show signs of illness, and flea-borne typhus is not spread from person to person.

Other tips include not leaving pet food outside, not touching or feeding free-roaming animals, keeping yard landscaping trimmed, keeping lids on trash containers, and closing home crawlspaces.

To learn more about flea-borne typhus and prevention, visit: ph.lacounty.gov/Typhus