LA flea-borne Typhus outbreak beneath Investigation

A significant outbreak of flea-borne typhus is being investigated within the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pico-Union as circumstances proceed to rise throughout the broader county.

The LA County Division of Public Well being, which is main the investigation, recognized 5 symptomatic circumstances linked to the outbreak to this point this yr. All 5 circumstances resulted in hospitalization, and all of the sufferers have recovered.

Typhus is a extreme febrile bacterial an infection attributable to the Rickettsia typhi micro organism, which is unfold by contaminated fleas. An infection generally happens when flea feces containing the micro organism enter the physique by cuts within the pores and skin or are rubbed into the eyes.

The outbreak, together with the general improve in infections, is very regarding due to how extreme the sickness can change into. Almost 9 out of 10 folks identified with flea-borne typhus in 2025 required hospitalization.

Instances in Los Angeles County have been rising since 2010. In 2025, the Division of Public Well being recognized 220 circumstances, the best quantity ever recorded within the county. That was a rise from 187 reported circumstances in 2024. These affected ranged in age from 1 to 85 years previous.

“As flea-borne typhus circumstances proceed to extend throughout Los Angeles County, stopping publicity to contaminated fleas is extra necessary than ever,” mentioned Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Well being Officer. “Group members might help defend themselves and their neighbors by preserving pets on flea management year-round, avoiding stray animals, and ensuring wildlife can not stay in or round their properties.”

The Division of Public Well being mentioned individuals are typically uncovered to typhus round their properties, when contaminated fleas are carried indoors by pets or different animals. In LA County, fleas are generally discovered on rats, free-roaming cats, and opossums.

Contaminated animals usually don’t look like in poor health, so folks typically don’t notice they’re in danger due to it. Nevertheless, flea-borne typhus isn’t contagious from individual to individual.

Signs of typhus usually seem inside one to 2 weeks after an infection and will embody fever, headache, rash and physique aches. Anybody experiencing signs is suggested to hunt medical care instantly.

Flea-borne typhus will be handled with antibiotics when identified early and can be preventable. 

The Division of Public Well being recommends that folks defend themselves and their pets through the use of flea-control merchandise, preserving pets indoors, avoiding wild or stray animals, preserving yards freed from particles and trash and reporting considerations to animal management, amongst different preventive measures.

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