Los Angeles County investigates flea-borne typhus outbreak in Wilshire Center
Health officials confirmed seven cases of flea-borne typhus in the Wilshire Center neighborhood, with six hospitalizations and all patients recovered, as the county monitors a rising trend of the disease.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a localized outbreak of flea-borne typhus in the densely populated Wilshire Center neighborhood. Seven symptomatic cases have been identified, six of which required hospitalization, and all patients have recovered. The department noted that this is the second neighborhood cluster this year, following a similar outbreak in Pico-Union.
County officials said a total of 109 cases have been reported in Los Angeles County so far in 2024, compared with a record 220 cases in 2025 and 187 the year before, reflecting a steady increase since 2010. The disease can affect anyone, with cases ranging from infants to seniors, and is typically transmitted by infected fleas carried by rats, free-roaming cats and opossums.
Symptoms appear one to two weeks after exposure and may include fever, headache, rash and body aches. The health department advises anyone with these signs, especially if they have been near fleas or animals, to seek medical care promptly. Flea-borne typhus is caused by Rickettsia bacteria and is not spread from person to person.
"As flea-borne typhus cases continue to increase across Los Angeles County, preventing exposure to fleas on free roaming animals and wildlife is more important than ever," said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer.
The department recommends year-round flea control for pets, keeping animals indoors when possible, using EPA-registered flea repellents, and reducing attractants for wildlife by securing trash, removing outdoor pet food and sealing entry points to homes. Residents are urged to report stray animals to local animal control and to seek treatment promptly if symptoms develop.