US EditionLA County Health: Typhus Outbreaks Spiking, Caused by Fleas on Rats, Possums, Even Pets
Los Angeles County has reported 106 flea-borne typhus cases in 2025, surpassing last year's count, prompting health officials to advise flea control on pets and avoidance of wildlife contact.
- Los Angeles County identified a record 187 flea-borne typhus cases in 2024 and reported 106 cases so far in 2025.
- The increase continues a pattern observed since 2010 and involves recent clusters identified in the downtown Los Angeles area as well as in Santa Monica.
- The disease is caused by bacteria spread through infected fleas found mostly on rats, opossums, and free-roaming cats, and transmission occurs when flea feces contact skin or eyes.
- Health officer Dr. Muntu Davis urged residents to use flea control on pets, avoid contact with stray animals, and secure their property, emphasizing that "flea-borne typhus is serious, but preventable."
- Officials expect cases to rise in late summer and fall and advise anyone with fever, chills, or rash to seek medical care promptly to reduce infection risks.
15 Articles
15 Articles
LA Daily News
LA County Health: Typhus outbreaks spiking, caused by fleas on rats, possums, even pets
Summer heat, check. Mosquitoes, check. Labor Day traffic, check. Now add fleas carrying typhus fever to things to worry about this weekend.
Los Angeles County reports rise in flea-borne typhus cases
Health officials are urging residents to take precautions after flea-borne typhus cases increased in Los Angeles County. Flea-borne typhus is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi and is transmitted through infected fleas, which are commonly found on rats, opossums and free-roaming cats. Pets such as dogs and cats that go outdoors can bring fleas into and around homes. Infected animals typically do not show signs of illness. People can become …
Public Health warns of rising flea-borne typhus cases amid Santa Monica outbreak
Los Angeles County health officials are urging the public to take precautions after a rise in flea-borne typhus cases, including a recent outbreak reported in Santa Monica. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Thursday that the illness, spread by infected fleas, continues to pose a growing threat, particularly in late summer and fall, when cases typically peak....
Santa Monica Mirror
Santa Monica Flea-Borne Typhus Cluster Under Investigation as L.A. Cases Rise
County Confirms 106 Cases So Far in 2025 After a Record 187 Last Year Health officials are warning Los Angeles County residents to take steps to protect themselves and their pets after a sharp rise in flea-borne typhus cases this year. The Department of Public Health said it has already confirmed 106 cases in 2025, surpassing totals from the same period last year. The increase follows a record 187 cases identified in 2024. Officials expect numbe…
Typhus Outbreaks in LA, Santa Monica – LA County Health Officials Encourage Precautions
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is urging people to take precautions following an increase of flea-borne typhus cases across the County. Earlier this year, Public Health investigated a localized outbreak of flea-borne ...
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