Increase in Typhus Cases Reported in L.A. County

L.A. County recorded an unprecedented number of flea-borne typhus cases in 2025, totaling 220. Experts indicate that this disease is challenging to eliminate due to the involvement of humans, animals, and vectors in its transmission.

Outbreaks were investigated in central L.A., Santa Monica, and Willowbrook, with 17 cases reported this year.

Typhus is spread by infected fleas, which typically reside on rats, free-roaming cats, and opossums.

What Contributed to This Situation?

According to Aiman Halai, a medical epidemiologist at the L.A. County Department of Public Health, there has been a consistent rise in flea-borne typhus cases. “These fleas thrive on reservoir animals, mainly rats, free-roaming cats, and opossums in the area,” Halai explained. “Any increase in the interactions between these animals and humans heightens the risk of typhus.”

Halai noted a connection between weather patterns and typhus, as weather can influence both animal movements and human behaviors, such as the amount of time spent outdoors. He emphasized that diseases like typhus are difficult to control, given their complex nature involving various elements.

The disease is generally mild, although it can escalate to more severe conditions. Halai mentioned that around 90% of identified cases resulted in hospitalization, and there are likely many more undiagnosed cases.

Are Other Areas Experiencing Similar Increases?

Other regions in the U.S., including Texas, have also reported rises in typhus cases, according to Halai.

Closer to L.A., Long Beach issued a health alert last year due to an increase in typhus cases. The city, operating its own health department, reported 39 cases in 2025, with 72% of those hospitalized. Following the spike, the Long Beach Health Department enhanced its mitigation strategies, focusing on public education and vector control.

Gonzalez, a public affairs officer for the Long Beach Health Department, shared that the localized outbreak reported in summer 2025 was effectively controlled, with no new cases associated with that outbreak since then.

Protecting Yourself and Others

Typhus is not spread between people and can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms may include high fever, nausea, muscle aches, rash, and cough; individuals suspecting they have typhus should consult a healthcare provider.

Infection occurs when flea feces come into contact with cuts, scrapes, or eyes. Halai pointed out that cases have ranged from children as young as one to seniors over 80.

While pets might not show symptoms, they can carry infected fleas to humans. To mitigate risk:

• Use flea control products for pets.
• Store trash and food securely to deter animals.
• Seal off crawl spaces and attics to keep animals from nesting.
• Avoid interacting with or feeding stray animals.
• Apply a bug repellent effective against fleas when outdoors.

Signs to Watch For

Symptoms of typhus can appear within two weeks post-exposure and may include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and rash.

L.A. County residents seeking more information can explore resources provided by the local health department.