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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reporting a record number of flea-borne typhus cases in Los Angeles County, with 220 cases identified in 2025, the highest ever recorded.
Nearly 9 out of 10 infected individuals required hospitalization, highlighting the seriousness of the disease and the need for increased awareness and prevention. The good news is that flea-borne typhus is treatable with antibiotics, especially when diagnosed early.
Key Takeaways
- 220 confirmed cases in 2025 (all-time high)
- Nearly 90% of cases required hospitalization
- Cases increased from 187 in 2024
- Exposure often occurs in or around the home
- Early treatment significantly improves outcomes
Exposure often occurs in and around the home, when infected fleas are carried indoors by pets or other animals. Fleas that transmit typhus are commonly found on stray animals, rodents, and wildlife such as opossums.
Public health officials urge residents to take the following steps:
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- Protect your pets: Use flea control year-round
- Avoid stray animals: Do not feed or handle them
- Keep wildlife out: Secure trash and block entry or hiding areas
Where Are Cases Occurring?
Cases have been reported throughout Los Angeles County, with localized outbreaks identified in:
- Central Los Angeles
- Santa Monica
- Willowbrook (South Los Angeles County)
This reflects a continued upward trend in recent years, suggesting increasing environmental exposure risks.
“Flea-borne typhus can cause serious illness, but it is preventable with simple steps,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “With cases at an all-time high and most requiring hospitalization, it’s critical that people take simple steps now, such as routinely using flea control on their pets, avoiding contact with stray animals, and preventing wildlife from living in or around their homes.”
What Is Flea-Borne Typhus?
Flea-borne typhus is a bacterial infection caused by Rickettsia typhi. It is transmitted to humans through infected fleas, commonly carried by:
- Rats
- Free-roaming cats
- Opossums
Pets that spend time outdoors can carry fleas into homes and expose household members. People can also become infected when flea dirt (feces) 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 often appear healthy, people may not realize they are at risk.
Symptoms of Flea-Borne Typhus
Symptoms typically develop within 1–2 weeks after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Body aches and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Anyone experiencing these symptoms, especially after potential exposure to fleas or animals, should seek medical care promptly.
In 2025, cases ranged in age from 1 to 85 years, highlighting that people of all age groups are at risk.
Flea-borne typhus is treatable with antibiotics, and early diagnosis helps prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Pets
The best way to prevent illness is to reduce exposure to fleas and avoid contact with animals that may carry them. People can still be exposed without direct contact, as infected fleas can be brought into the home on pets or other animals.
Public health officials recommend the following preventive measures:
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 stray animals
- Do not leave pet food outdoors
- Do not 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, rodents, or opossums near your property
Know the symptoms
- Flea-borne typhus can cause fever, chills, headache, and rash
- Seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop
To learn more about flea-borne typhus and prevention visit: ph.lacounty.gov/Typhus
About the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County.
Through a variety of programs, community partnerships, and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the department comprises more than 5,000 employees and has an annual budget of $1.3 billion.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment.
