Overview

The Pasadena Public Health Department has issued a warning to residents about the importance of flea prevention following a record number of flea-borne typhus cases in Los Angeles County. With 220 cases reported in 2025, the city is taking proactive measures to protect both pets and properties.

Although Pasadena has not reported any typhus cases this year, the increase in countywide cases has prompted health officials to remind the community of the potential dangers associated with flea infestations.

Key details

  • Los Angeles County recorded 220 flea-borne typhus cases in 2025, a record high.
  • Nearly 90% of patients required hospitalization due to the disease.
  • Pasadena has reported no typhus cases in 2026, down from two cases in 2025 and eight in 2024.
  • In 2018, Pasadena experienced an epidemic-level outbreak with 20 diagnosed cases.
  • Typhus is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi, transmitted to humans through infected fleas.
  • Fleas in Pasadena are commonly found on feral cats and opossums.
  • Outdoor pets can carry infected fleas into homes.
  • Symptoms of typhus include high fever, chills, body aches, headaches, and a rash, appearing one to two weeks after infection.
  • Typhus is treatable with antibiotics, specifically doxycycline, but early diagnosis is essential.
  • The first typhus-related deaths in LA County since 1993 occurred in 2022, involving three adults with underlying health conditions.
  • Preventative measures include treating pets with flea control, trimming vegetation, and securing garbage containers.
  • Pasadena operates its own public health department, tracking typhus cases independently from LA County.

Context

The rise in flea-borne typhus cases in Los Angeles County has been a growing concern since 2010, with cases increasing from 187 in 2024 to the record 220 in 2025. Localized outbreaks were noted in Central Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Willowbrook last year.

What happens next

The Pasadena Public Health Department will continue to monitor the situation and encourage residents to follow recommended flea prevention measures. Health providers are required to report any suspected or confirmed typhus cases to the department promptly.

What we don't know yet

It is unclear how many cases of typhus have been reported in 2026 across LA County and whether any specific factors contributed to the record high in 2025.