Los Angeles County Reports Record High in Flea-Borne Typhus Cases
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Los Angeles County Reports Record High in Flea-Borne Typhus Cases
Los Angeles County Public Health says flea-borne typhus reached an all-time high in 2025, with 220 reported cases, up from 187 in 2024. The county also said nearly 9 in 10 identified patients required hospitalization, highlighting how serious the illness can become if it is not diagnosed and treated early.
According to the county, people are often exposed in or around their homes when infected fleas are carried indoors by pets or other animals. Fleas that spread typhus are commonly found on stray animals, rodents, free-roaming cats, and wildlife such as opossums.
Public Health said three localized outbreaks were investigated in 2025 in Central Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Willowbrook in South Los Angeles County.
Health officials warned that symptoms usually appear within one to two weeks and may include fever, headache, rash, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain. The county stressed that flea-borne typhus is treatable with antibiotics and that early diagnosis can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
To reduce risk, the county is urging residents to use year-round flea control on pets, avoid feeding or handling stray animals, keep trash secured, trim overgrown yards, and block openings where wildlife can enter or hide. Officials also noted that infected animals often appear healthy, so people may not realize they have been exposed.
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