Los Angeles County health officials are urging the public to take precautions after a rise in flea-borne typhus cases, including a recent outbreak reported in Santa Monica.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Thursday that the illness, spread by infected fleas, continues to pose a growing threat, particularly in late summer and fall, when cases typically peak.
“We urge people to take precautions by using flea control on their pets, avoiding contact with stray animals, and preventing wildlife from living in or near their homes,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, the county’s health officer. “If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills or a rash, seek medical attention right away.”
According to Public Health, people can become infected when flea feces are rubbed into cuts, scrapes or eyes. The disease cannot spread from person to person.
Flea-borne typhus has been on the rise in L.A. County since 2010. In 2024, the county recorded a record 187 cases. So far in 2025, at least 106 cases have been reported, officials said. A separate outbreak was reported in Central Los Angeles earlier this year.
Infected fleas are most commonly found on rats, free-roaming cats and opossums. Pets that go outdoors may carry fleas into homes, although infected animals typically do not show symptoms of illness.
To help prevent flea-borne typhus, Public Health recommends the following:
- Keep fleas off yourself and your pets.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents that protect against fleas.
- Apply flea control products on pets regularly.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
- Avoid attracting wild or stray animals.
- Don’t leave pet food or water outside.
- Don’t feed or touch stray animals.
- Maintain your yard by removing debris and trimming overgrown plants.
- Report stray animals or signs of rodents or opossums near your property.
- Close off crawl spaces and seal any openings.
- Store trash in containers with tight-fitting lids.
For more information on flea-borne typhus, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.
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