The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported the highest-ever number of flea-borne typhus cases in 2025, with 220 cases. While cases were reported across the county, three areas were most affected, including Central Los Angeles City, Santa Monica, and Willowbrook.
The disease is treatable with antibiotics, but the county said that 9 out of 10 people identified last year with typhus required hospitalization.
Officials said pets or other animals carry infected fleas indoors, leaving people exposed in and around their homes. Fleas that spread typhus are commonly found on stray animals, rodents, and other wildlife such as opossums.
In 2024, 187 cases were reported in the county, and officials noted that the trend continues to move upward.
