Los Angeles reports flea-borne typhus outbreak in Wilshire Center

Health officials in Los Angeles County have identified an outbreak of flea-borne typhus in the Wilshire Center neighborhood. Seven symptomatic cases have been reported, with six individuals requiring hospitalization. All seven patients have since recovered, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

This incident marks the second reported outbreak in the county this year, following a cluster in the Pico-Union area. The outbreak occurs amid a broader upward trend in cases; Los Angeles County reported a record 220 cases in 2025, an increase from 187 in 2024. So far this year, 109 cases have been documented across the county.

Flea-borne typhus is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi and is transmitted via infected flea feces entering the body through broken skin or eyes. The disease is not spread person-to-person. Common carriers include rats, free-roaming cats, and opossums. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, vomiting, rash, and muscle aches. Health officials recommend year-round flea control for pets and rodent-proofing homes to mitigate risk.