Trending Now - Typhus Cases Spike in LA County, Hospitalizations Soar

WHO:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Dr. Aiman Halai, Medical Epidemiologist with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Yahoo - Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

WHAT:

ABC7 Los Angeles - In 2025, there were three local outbreaks of typhus investigated in Central L.A., Santa Monica, and the unincorporated neighborhood of Willowbrook.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Dr. Aiman Halai stated, "Some patients can develop severe illnesses in which multiple organ systems can be involved and really can result in death as well."

Yahoo - The Los Angeles Times reported that individuals aged 1 to 85 were affected by typhus in 2025.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Los Angeles County is experiencing a record number of flea-borne typhus cases, with nearly 90% of patients requiring hospitalization.

ABC7 Los Angeles - In 2025, there were 220 recorded typhus infections in L.A. County, an increase from 187 cases in 2024.

Yahoo - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported that 2025 had the highest-ever recorded number of typhus cases, up nearly 20% from 187 cases in 2024.

Yahoo - Nearly 9 out of 10 people identified as infected with typhus required hospitalization.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Symptoms of typhus can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, vomiting, and rash.

WHERE:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Los Angeles County, California.

WHEN:

ABC7 Los Angeles - The bulletin regarding the surge in typhus cases was issued on April 2nd, 2026.

ABC7 Los Angeles - The recorded cases in 2025 (220 cases) and 2024 (187 cases) are noted.

Yahoo - There were 141 reported infections in 2021, 171 in 2022, and a slight decrease in 2023.

WHY:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Health officials state that typhus is widespread, and individuals can be at risk regardless of pet ownership.

Yahoo - Proximity to rats or other rodents and outdoor living conditions place some residents at a higher risk of contracting typhus.

HOW:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Health officials recommend securing outdoor trash bins and trimming vegetation around homes to reduce the risk of typhus.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Health officials recommend protecting pets, using flea control year-round, and avoiding stray animals.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Typhus generally requires prompt antibiotic treatment, such as doxycycline, to prevent severe complications.

(UPDATED April 8, 2026 01:23 UTC)

In 2025, three local outbreaks of typhus were investigated in Central L.A., Santa Monica, and the unincorporated neighborhood of Willowbrook, affecting individuals aged 1 to 85. Dr. Aiman Halai warned that some patients can develop severe illnesses involving multiple organ systems, which can ultimately lead to death. Health officials are advising residents to secure outdoor trash bins and trim vegetation around their homes to help reduce the risk of typhus.

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(UPDATED April 7, 2026 23:14 UTC)

Los Angeles County is facing a record surge in flea-borne typhus cases, with nearly 90% of those infected requiring hospitalization, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. In 2025, there were 220 recorded infections, marking a nearly 20% increase from 187 cases in 2024, and health officials emphasize that anyone can be at risk, particularly those living near rodents or in outdoor conditions. To combat this, experts recommend year-round flea control for pets and prompt treatment with antibiotics like doxycycline to prevent severe complications.