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Citing hundreds of local typhus cases, LA County supervisor proposes prevention efforts
Trash from illegal dumping along the 11100 block of S Central Ave in Watts on Thursday, May 4, 2023.
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Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times
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Getty Images
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Topline:
Noting the 220 cases of flea-borne typhus reported in Los Angeles County last year, Supervisor Holly Mitchell is expected to introduce a motion at next week’s board meeting aimed at preventing the spread of the bacterial disease.
Prevention efforts: Mitchell's motion, dated April 14, directs several county departments to coordinate efforts to clean up illegal trash dumping, trim overgrown vegetation and control free-roaming animals that can carry infected fleas.
The motion directs the Department of Homeless Services and Housing to prioritize sanitation needs at homeless encampments in outbreak-affected areas. It requires a written report back to the Board of Supervisors within 90 days.
Recent outbreaks: Mitchell’s motion focuses on Willowbrook, an unincorporated community in her district that has had four local typhus outbreaks since 2017, including one last year. The L.A. County Department of Public Health investigated two other local outbreaks in 2025, in central L.A. and Santa Monica.
Typhus infections in L.A. County rose from 187 cases in 2024 to a record 220 in 2025. Last year, 90% of those infected required hospitalization. This year, there have been 17 reported cases of typhus in L.A. County and no local outbreaks, according to the Department of Public Health.
Public health guidance: Flea-borne typhus is not spread person-to-person. The Public Health Department says the disease is transmitted to humans primarily through infected fleas found on rats, stray cats and possums. Symptoms include fever, headache and rash. Health officials say it can present as a mild illness or a severe disease requiring hospitalization.
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Fatalities from flea-borne typhus are uncommon, but there were three associated deaths in L.A. County back in 2022.
In a recent advisory, Dr. Muntu Davis urged residents to use flea control on pets, avoid stray animals and secure trash to keep wildlife off their property.
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