Resurgence of Flea-Borne Typhus in Los Angeles County
A fast-spreading illness, often seen in Victorian times, is alarmingly returning. Known as flea-borne typhus, this highly contagious bacterial disease is causing concern as it spreads across Los Angeles County, with officials noting a significant increase in cases this year. Sometimes referred to as “famine fever” or “jail fever,” typhus tends to thrive during crises.
So far in 2025, at least 220 infections have been recorded, surpassing last year’s total of 187, based on reports from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The troubling part? About 90% of those infected end up being hospitalized.
Flea-borne typhus is transmitted through fleas that are often carried by animals like rats and opossums. Humans can catch it when flea droppings get into small cuts or scrapes, or even by touching their eyes after contact.
Pets can unwittingly bring these infected fleas into homes, serving as a bridge between wildlife and people. Dr. Aiman Halai, a medical epidemiologist, mentioned that cases have been rising consistently. “These cases are happening across all parts of our county,” he pointed out to ABC News.
Symptoms don’t show up right away — it can take up to two weeks post-exposure for a person to feel unwell, initially presenting with fever, chills, body aches, and sometimes a rash. In worse cases, coughing and gastrointestinal issues may arise, along with neurological symptoms like confusion. For some patients, the condition may quickly deteriorate, with Halai warning that some may develop severe illnesses affecting multiple organ systems which could ultimately lead to death.
Interestingly, California isn’t alone in this uptick; officials in Texas also reported rising cases in 2025. One concerning aspect of typhus is how easily it slips under the radar at first. Animals with infected fleas typically display no signs of illness, making it difficult for pet owners to recognize the risk until it’s potentially too late.
Health officials are urging people to prioritize preventive measures—this starts with their pets. Controlling fleas through topical treatments, oral medications, and flea collars can help. Yet, that’s just the beginning. Maintaining tidy outdoor spaces is crucial to avoid attracting rodents and other wildlife that may be carrying these fleas. Recommended preventative actions include trimming plants, clearing clutter, sealing crawl spaces, and ensuring trash bins are tightly closed.
Additionally, residents are advised to steer clear of stray animals, especially opossums, skunks, raccoons, and rodents. Despite the worrying rise in typhus cases, there’s a silver lining: the disease is treatable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that most patients respond well to antibiotics, especially when treatment is initiated early. However, delays in treatment can increase the risk of severe complications—so, awareness and early intervention are paramount.
