Flea-Borne Typhus Outbreak in Los Angeles

Fleas and the diseases they carry seem to be thriving in Los Angeles lately, particularly with reported cases of typhus on the rise.

This week, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced that it is looking into a localized outbreak of this bacterial disease, which has led to several hospitalizations. This marks the second significant outbreak in the city this year, with an overall upward trend in cases noted countywide. Residents are advised to ensure their pets are free of fleas and to minimize contact with wildlife that might harbor these pesky parasites.

“As flea-borne typhus cases continue to increase across Los Angeles County, preventing exposure to fleas on free-roaming animals and wildlife is more important than ever,” stated Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County Health Officer, in a recent release.

Understanding Typhus

Typhus comes in various forms, each linked to different bacteria and primarily transmitted by distinct vectors. Flea-borne typhus, specifically, is caused by Rickettsia typhi. It’s often referred to as murine typhus, primarily because rodents are common hosts for the bacteria. However, other small mammals like cats and opossums can also transmit it.

While not as severe as epidemic typhus, this illness can still be quite unpleasant. Common symptoms include fever, headaches, vomiting, and a characteristic rash, typically appearing about a week after exposure. The infection occurs mainly through flea excrement near bite sites, but it’s also possible to contract it via inhaling infected flea dust or inadvertently introducing it to our eyes. Notably, the infection does not spread from one person to another.

The current outbreak is reported in the Wilshire Center area of Los Angeles, with at least seven cases identified thus far, six of which required hospitalization. Fortunately, all affected individuals have since recovered. Earlier in July, there was another outbreak in the Pico-Union neighborhood, where five people were hospitalized and all eventually recovered as well.

Despite these localized incidents, typhus has been found across other areas of the county. So far this year, LA has reported 109 cases, which, while lower than the record 220 cases noted in 2025, remains above the numbers seen before 2020. Typhus typically peaks in late summer and fall, and the department indicates that this year’s tally could still climb.

Prevention Strategies

Those experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk for typhus due to increased exposure to fleas and animal hosts. However, the health department emphasizes that anyone can be affected, with cases noted among individuals from various housing and socioeconomic backgrounds. Last year’s reports showed infections spanning ages from 1 to 85.

The best way to reduce the risk of contracting typhus is to minimize flea exposure. Helpful strategies include using year-round flea control for pets—especially if they roam freely—avoiding interaction with wild animals, securing food sources that might attract them, maintaining a clean yard, and sealing entries in homes that might allow rodents or other small mammals to come inside.

“Simple steps can prevent serious illness,” reminded Davis.