Los Angeles County investigates flea-borne typhus cases in Pico-Union
Five hospitalized cases of flea-borne typhus have been linked to a Pico-Union outbreak, prompting a county health investigation as overall infections rise.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a cluster of flea-borne typhus cases in the Pico-Union neighborhood after five patients were hospitalized earlier this year. All five individuals have recovered.
County data show a continuing upward trend in the disease, with 220 cases reported in 2025, the highest number on record, up from 187 in 2024. Cases have been documented across a wide age range, from infants to seniors.
"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, the county health officer. He advised residents to keep pets on year-round flea control, avoid contact with stray animals, and limit wildlife access to homes.
The bacterium Rickettsia typhi is transmitted by flea feces that enter the body through skin cuts or the eyes, often after fleas hitch rides on pets, rats, free-roaming cats or opossums. Infected animals typically show no signs of illness, and the disease does not spread from person to person.
Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure and can include fever, headache, rash and body aches. Early diagnosis allows treatment with antibiotics. Health officials recommend flea-control products for pets, keeping animals indoors, removing debris and trash from yards, and reporting stray-animal concerns to animal-control authorities.