LA County Supervisor Proposes Measures to Curb Flea-Borne Typhus Outbreaks

The motion focuses on the Willowbrook community, which has seen multiple typhus outbreaks since 2017.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Supervisor Holly Mitchell is expected to introduce a motion at the next Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting aimed at preventing the spread of flea-borne typhus. The motion directs several county departments to coordinate efforts to clean up illegal trash dumping, trim overgrown vegetation, and control free-roaming animals that can carry infected fleas. It also requires the Department of Homeless Services and Housing to prioritize sanitation needs at homeless encampments in outbreak-affected areas.

Why it matters

Flea-borne typhus cases in Los Angeles County reached a record high of 220 in 2025, with 90% of those infected requiring hospitalization. The motion focuses on the Willowbrook community, which has seen four local typhus outbreaks since 2017, including one last year. Addressing the issue is crucial to protect public health and prevent future outbreaks.

The details

Mitchell's motion directs the Department of Public Health, Department of Animal Care and Control, Department of Public Works, and Department of Homeless Services and Housing to coordinate efforts to clean up illegal trash dumping, trim overgrown vegetation, and control free-roaming animals that can carry infected fleas. The motion also requires a written report back to the Board of Supervisors within 90 days.

  • In 2025, there were 220 cases of flea-borne typhus reported in Los Angeles County, a record high.
  • Last year, there were 17 reported cases of typhus in LA County and no local outbreaks.
  • Since 2017, the Willowbrook community has had four local typhus outbreaks, including one last year.

The players

Supervisor Holly Mitchell

A Los Angeles County Supervisor who is expected to introduce the motion aimed at preventing the spread of flea-borne typhus.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

The department that investigated two other local typhus outbreaks in 2025, in central LA and Santa Monica.

Dr. Muntu Davis

A public health official who recently urged residents to use flea control on pets, avoid stray animals, and secure trash to keep wildlife off their property.

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What they’re saying

“Flea-borne typhus is not spread person-to-person. The Public Health Department says the disease is transmitted to humans primarily through infected fleas found on rats, stray cats and possums.”

— Dr. Muntu Davis

What’s next

The motion is expected to be introduced at the next Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 14. If approved, the various county departments will have 90 days to provide a written report back to the Board on their coordinated efforts to address the issue.

The takeaway

This motion highlights the ongoing public health challenges posed by flea-borne typhus outbreaks in Los Angeles County, particularly in vulnerable communities like Willowbrook. By taking a coordinated approach to address the root causes, such as illegal dumping and stray animal control, the county aims to protect residents and prevent future outbreaks.