Los Angeles County investigates rising flea-borne typhus cases in Pico-Union

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a cluster of flea-borne typhus cases in the Pico-Union neighborhood as the disease continues to rise across the county. Five symptomatic patients have been identified this year; all required hospitalization but have since recovered.

Flea-borne typhus, caused by the Rickettsia typhi bacteria, is transmitted when flea feces containing the pathogen enter the body through skin cuts or the eyes. The county has seen a steady increase in cases since 2010, with 220 reported in 2025, up from 187 the previous year. Patients have ranged in age from 1 to 85 years.

"As flea-borne typhus cases continue to increase across Los Angeles County, preventing exposure to infected fleas is more important than ever," said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer. "Community members can help protect themselves and their neighbors by keeping pets on flea control year-round, avoiding stray animals, and making sure wildlife cannot live in or around their homes."

Public health officials note that fleas are commonly carried indoors by pets, rats, free-roaming cats and opossums, and that infected animals often show no signs of illness. The disease is not spread from person to person. Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after exposure and include fever, headache, rash and body aches. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are effective, and preventive measures such as flea-control products, indoor pet housing, and yard sanitation are recommended.