Health officials said symptoms usually appear within one to two weeks and can include fever, headache, rash and body aches.
Health officials are warning residents to take precautions after Los Angeles County recorded the highest number of flea-borne typhus cases on record, including an outbreak in Santa Monica.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 220 cases in 2025, surpassing the previous high of 187 cases in 2024 and continuing a steady rise in recent years. Officials said nearly 90% of those infected required hospitalization, highlighting the severity of the disease.
Among the cases were three localized outbreaks investigated last year, including one in Santa Monica.
Flea-borne typhus is a bacterial infection spread by infected fleas, often carried by animals such as rats, stray cats and opossums. People are typically exposed in and around their homes when fleas are brought indoors on pets or other animals.
Health officials said symptoms usually appear within one to two weeks and can include fever, headache, rash and body aches. While the illness can be serious, it is treatable with antibiotics, particularly when diagnosed early.
“Flea-borne typhus can cause serious illness, but it is preventable with simple steps,” said county Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis in a statement.
Public health officials are urging residents to take preventive measures, including using year-round flea control for pets, avoiding contact with stray animals and securing trash and property to keep wildlife away.
Cases in 2025 affected people ranging in age from 1 to 85, indicating risk across all age groups, officials said.
Authorities emphasized that infected animals often show no signs of illness, making prevention and awareness critical, particularly in coastal communities like Santa Monica where human and animal interactions are common.
