Flea-Borne Typhus Outbreak
Los Angeles health officials investigate a localized flea-borne typhus outbreak in Wilshire Center.
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Key Points
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About 90% of people identified as infected with flea-borne typhus in Los Angeles County have been hospitalized, according to county officials.
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Los Angeles County has seen flea-borne typhus cases increase since 2010, and the 2025 cases involved people ranging in age from 1 to 85.
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In addition to fever, headache, rash and body aches, symptoms can include muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, according to county health officials.
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Health officials said the countywide increase affects people across a range of housing and socioeconomic circumstances, underscoring that flea-borne typhus is not limited to one type of neighborhood or population.
Los Angeles County health officials are investigating a localized outbreak of flea-borne typhus in the Wilshire Center neighborhood, where seven symptomatic cases have been identified LA Times. Six people were hospitalized, but all have recovered. The outbreak marks the second localized case cluster reported in the county this year, amid a broader surge that has produced 109 cases so far in 2025.
The county recorded a record 220 cases of flea-borne typhus in 2025, up from 187 in 2024 NTD, continuing a steady increase since 2010. The bacterial disease spreads through infected fleas carried by rats, opossums, free-roaming cats, and wildlife — not from person to person. Health officials warn that the outbreak affects people across all neighborhoods and income levels.
How Typhus Spreads and Who Gets Infected
Flea-borne typhus is transmitted by fleas that live on rats, opossums, stray cats, pets, and other wildlife San Fernando Valley Sun. A person cannot catch typhus from another person. The disease affects people of all ages — cases in Los Angeles County have involved people ranging from 1 to 85 years old NTD. About 90% of people infected in the county have required hospitalization, according to county officials.
Symptoms to Watch For and Treatment Options
Symptoms of flea-borne typhus typically appear within one to two weeks of infection LA Times. Early warning signs include fever, headache, rash, and body aches. Some people also experience muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting NTD. The disease responds well to early antibiotic treatment, making prompt diagnosis critical for recovery.
Prevention Steps Residents Should Take Now
County health officials urge residents to use year-round flea control on pets and to rodent-proof their homes LA Times. People should also prevent wildlife from nesting near residences by removing food sources and sealing entry points. These steps are essential since the disease affects all types of neighborhoods, regardless of housing conditions or socioeconomic status.
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