Flea-borne typhus outbreak reported in Koreatown as cases in LA County rise

Los Angeles County health officials are investigating a localized outbreak of flea-borne typhus in Wilshire Center, a dense area that overlaps with Koreatown. Seven people have been diagnosed so far, according to officials.

Six of the seven people were hospitalized, though all have recovered, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday.

The incident is the second reported typhus outbreak in the county this year and comes less than two months after health officials warned of the first outbreak in Pico Union. Five people were diagnosed, hospitalized and eventually recovered, according to health officials.

While the latest outbreak is in Wilshire Center, the Department of Public Health says the risk of flea-borne typhus is countywide. The county has reported 109 cases so far this year. 

The department said, “cases occur across the county and among people with a range of housing and socioeconomic circumstances.” 

Flea-borne typhus is caused by bacteria spread by infected fleas, which can be carried by rats, free-roaming cats, opossums and other wildlife. People can become infected when flea feces enter cuts or scrapes or come into contact with the eyes. The illness does not spread from person to person.

Symptoms typically appear within one to two weeks and can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and a rash. The illness can be treated with antibiotics, particularly when diagnosed early.

Los Angeles County reported a record 220 cases in 2025, up from 187 in 2024. People of all ages can become infected.

The Department of Public Health is urging residents, including those in Koreatown and surrounding neighborhoods, to take steps to reduce their exposure to fleas. 

“Community members can help protect themselves and their neighbors by keeping pets on flea control year-round, rodent proofing their homes and making sure wildlife cannot live in or around their homes,” Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said in a statement. 

Residents should also keep trash in tightly closed containers, avoid leaving pet food outdoors, clear debris and overgrown vegetation from yards and seal openings where animals could enter or nest.

Anyone who develops symptoms, particularly after possible exposure to fleas or animals that may carry them, should seek medical care promptly.

More information is available through the county’s flea-borne typhus prevention and information page.

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