Flea-borne typhus outbreak in Pico-Union prompts warning from LA County health officials

PICO-UNION, LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Los Angeles County health officials Wednesday reported a localized outbreak of flea-borne typhus in the Pico-Union neighborhood, where five people have become ill this year.

All five people were hospitalized but have since recovered, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Officials said the outbreak comes as flea-borne typhus cases continue to increase countywide.

People are often exposed to the disease in and around their homes when infected fleas are carried indoors on pets or other animals, officials said. In Los Angeles County, infected fleas are commonly found on rats, free- roaming cats and opossums.

According to Public Health, nearly nine out of 10 people diagnosed with flea-borne typhus in Los Angeles County in 2025 required hospitalization.

“As flea-borne typhus cases continue to increase across Los Angeles County, preventing exposure to infected fleas is more important than ever,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “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 reported a record 220 flea-borne typhus cases in Los Angeles County in 2025, up from 187 cases in 2024.

Symptoms generally develop one to two weeks after infection and can include fever, headache, rash, body aches, chills, nausea and vomiting. Health officials urged anyone experiencing symptoms, particularly after possible exposure to fleas or animals, to seek prompt medical care.

The disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi and is spread by infected fleas. It is treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed early and is not spread from person to person, officials said.

To reduce the risk of infection, Public Health urged residents to use flea-control products on pets year-round, keep pets indoors when possible, avoid contact with stray animals, keep yards free of debris, secure trash containers and report stray animals, rodents or opossums near their property to local animal control.