LA County Sees All-Time High in Flea-Borne Typhus Cases

Health officials warn of rising infections spread by fleas on stray animals and rodents

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:07pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a flea, its delicate internal structure visible against a dark background, conceptually representing the spread of flea-borne typhus in the local community.An X-ray view of a flea, the carrier of the bacteria that causes flea-borne typhus, a growing public health concern in Los Angeles County.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles County reported a record 220 cases of flea-borne typhus in 2025, a significant increase from 187 cases the previous year. The disease, which can cause serious illness but is treatable with antibiotics, is typically spread when pets or wildlife carry infected fleas indoors, exposing people in and around their homes.

Why it matters

Flea-borne typhus cases have been steadily rising in LA County, highlighting the need for greater public awareness and preventative measures to address the growing public health issue. The high hospitalization rate associated with the disease also strains the local healthcare system.

The details

The areas most affected by the typhus outbreak were Central Los Angeles City, Santa Monica, and Willowbrook. While the disease is treatable, officials noted that 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with typhus in 2025 required hospitalization. Fleas that spread the disease are commonly found on stray animals, rodents, and wildlife like opossums.

  • In 2025, LA County reported 220 cases of flea-borne typhus, the highest number on record.
  • In 2024, there were 187 reported cases of flea-borne typhus in LA County.

The players

Muntu Davis, MD, MPH

Los Angeles County Health Officer who advised on steps to prevent flea-borne typhus.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

The public health agency that reported the record-high number of flea-borne typhus cases in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Flea-borne typhus can cause serious illness, but it is preventable with simple steps.”

— Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer

What’s next

Public health officials in LA County are urging residents to take preventative measures, such as using flea control on pets, avoiding contact with stray animals, and preventing wildlife from living near homes, in order to curb the rising number of flea-borne typhus cases.

The takeaway

The spike in flea-borne typhus cases in LA County underscores the need for greater public awareness and proactive steps to address the spread of the disease, which can have serious health consequences if left untreated. By working to eliminate flea habitats and limit exposure to infected animals, residents can help mitigate the growing public health concern.