Los Angeles County has issued a health alert after reporting a record number of flea-borne typhus cases. Outbreaks have been identified across the region, with health officials confirming an all-time high infection rate last year, which saw 90% of those stricken with the disease hospitalized.
In 2025, 220 cases of murine typhus were recorded. This year, LA County residents have been advised to take immediate preventative measures in an effort to halt the spread. But what's sustaining this upward trend, and how can falling victim to typhus be prevented?
This gallery explains more about how LA health officials are tackling this unprecedented health scare and highlights the seriousness of the illness. Click on for a diagnosis.