Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
LA County is warning about a rise in flea-borne Typhus cases and outbreaks
A magnified left lateral view of a male Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, a species known to spread typhus.
(
James Gathany
/
Courtesy of CDC via Unsplash
)
Topline:
L.A. County Public Health is urging residents and pet owners to take extra precautions in protecting themselves against flea-borne typhus after reporting an uptick in recent cases.
What we know: So far this year, at least 106 cases have been reported — higher than this time last year. In 2024, the county saw a record 187 cases in total. Cases, which typically peak in late summer and fall, have been rising in the county since 2010.
What about clusters? Yes, the department investigated a localized outbreak in Central L.A. and is currently looking into a second outbreak in Santa Monica.
Support for LAist comes from
What is Typhus? Typhus is a bacterial disease spread by infected fleas, which are most commonly found on rats, free-roaming cats and opossums. The disease is not spread from person-to-person and is treatable with antibiotics. Symptoms can include high fever, nausea, muscle aches, rash and cough. People who think they have it should talk to their healthcare provider.
What to do: Public health officials recommend residents routinely use flea control products on pets. Other tips are listed through the county’s website.
Go deeper… L.A. County’s warning comes weeks after Long Beach reported a rise in Typhus cases.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research. -
Some submissions to the Pasadena Humane Society were made by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best. -
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
Best of LAist