L.A. County alerts residents to flea-borne typhus surge in Mid-Wilshire
Health officials in Los Angeles County have reported seven cases of flea-borne typhus in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood, urging residents to adopt flea-control measures.
Los Angeles County health officials have identified seven confirmed cases of flea-borne typhus in the Mid-Wilshire area, with six patients previously hospitalized and now recovered. The bacterial infection, caused by Rickettsia typhi and transmitted by fleas that commonly infest rats, free-roaming cats and opossums, can produce fever, headache, rash and body aches within one to two weeks of exposure.
The county previously issued a similar warning in July after five cases were detected in the Pico-Union district, and has noted comparable outbreaks in Santa Monica and the Willowbrook neighborhoods near Compton. Reported cases of flea-borne typhus have risen steadily since 2010, reaching a record 220 cases last year and at least 187 cases so far in 2024.
Officials are advising residents to apply year-round flea control on pets, avoid feeding stray animals, keep trash-bin lids securely closed, and eliminate potential flea habitats around homes.