The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a localized outbreak of flea-borne typhus in the Wilshire Center neighborhood of the City of Los Angeles, as cases continue to rise across the County. Seven symptomatic cases linked to this outbreak have been identified. Six of the seven people were hospitalized, and all have recovered.

This is the second outbreak for flea-borne typhus reported by Public Health this year.

Flea-borne typhus can affect anyone. People are often exposed around their homes by infected fleas carried by pets or wildlife. In Los Angeles County, infected fleas are commonly found on rats, free-roaming cats, and opossums.

Although this and the other cluster center in one neighborhood, the risk of flea-borne typhus is countywide, and cases occur across the county and among people with a range of housing and socioeconomic circumstances. So far this year, 109 cases have been reported throughout Los Angeles County.

“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,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Community members can help protect themselves and their neighbors by keeping pets on flea control year-round, rodent proofing their homes and making sure wildlife cannot live in or around their homes. Simple steps can prevent serious illness.”

Symptoms of flea-borne typhus typically appear within one to two weeks after becoming infected and may include fever, headache, rash, and body aches. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek a medical care promptly, especially if they may have been exposed to fleas or animals.

Flea-borne typhus can be effectively treated with antibiotics when diagnosed early, and it can be prevented with simple steps to reduce exposure to fleas and avoid contact with animals that may carry them.

Flea-borne Typhus in Los Angeles County

Flea-borne typhus cases have been rising in Los Angeles County since 2010. In 2025, Public Health reported a record 220 cases, the highest number ever recorded in the County. Cases occurred among people ranging in age from one to 85 years, highlighting that people of all age groups are at risk. This follows 187 reported cases in 2024 and reflects a sustained upward trend in recent years.

What People Can Do to Prevent Flea Exposure

The best way to prevent illness is to reduce exposure to fleas and avoid contact with animals that may carry them.

To reduce the risk of infection, Public Health urges people to:

• Protect yourself and your pets:
  • Routinely use flea control products on your pets.
  • Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
  • When outside, use EPA-registered insect repellent labeled for protection against fleas.
• Avoid attracting wild or free-roaming animals:

• • Don’t leave pet food outdoors.
  • Don’t feed or touch free-roaming animals.
• Maintain your property:
  • Keep your yard free of debris and trim overgrown plants and bushes.
  • Keep trash in containers with tightly fitting lids.
  • Close off crawl spaces and seal openings where animals can enter, hide, or find food.

• Report concerns:
  • Notify local animal control if you observe stray animals or opossums near your property.
• Know the symptoms:
  • Flea-borne typhus can cause fever, chills, headache, body aches and rash. Seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop.

About Flea-Borne Typhus

Flea-borne typhus is an acute febrile bacterial infection caused by Rickettsia Typhi bacteria, which is spread by infected fleas. Fleas that spread flea-borne typhus are commonly found on free-roaming animals, rodents, and other wildlife such as opossums. Pets that spend time outdoors can carry fleas into homes and expose household members. People become infected when flea dirt (poop) enters the body through cuts or scrapes in the skin or if rubbed into the eyes. Infected animals typically do not show signs of illness, and flea-borne typhus is not spread from person to person. Because animals carrying infected fleas often appear healthy, people may not realize they are at risk.

Signs and symptoms of flea-borne typhus can include fever, headache, body aches and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and rash. Flea-borne typhus is treatable with antibiotics, and early diagnosis helps prevent severe illness and hospitalization.

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