Los Angeles County health officials are investigating a significant outbreak of flea-borne typhus in the Pico-Union neighborhood as cases continue to rise countywide. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has identified five confirmed symptomatic cases connected to the current outbreak this year. All five patients required hospitalization but have since recovered.

Typhus is a serious bacterial infection caused by Rickettsia typhi, transmitted to humans primarily through infected fleas. The bacteria are typically spread when flea feces enter the body through skin cuts or mucous membranes, such as the eyes. The infection can lead to severe illness, with almost 90 percent of diagnosed cases in 2025 necessitating hospital care.

The recent rise in cases is part of a broader upward trend in flea-borne typhus infections across Los Angeles County that has been ongoing since 2010. Public Health officials reported a record 220 cases in 2025, surpassing the 187 cases documented in 2024. The individuals affected have ranged widely in age, from as young as 1 year old to as old as 85.

Authorities emphasize the importance of public awareness and preventive measures to reduce exposure to fleas and promote early treatment, given the potential severity of the illness. The Department of Public Health continues to monitor and investigate the outbreak to understand its scope and implement control strategies.