Health & Human services

Flea-borne Typhus

Flea-borne Typhus FAQ (PDF) - English | Spanish | Tagalog | Khmer 

 

 

 

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WHAT IS TYPHUS?

Flea-borne typhus (also called murine typhus) is caused by the bacteria (Rickettsia typhi) and is transmitted by infected fleas, which enter the skin through scratching following a bite or an any cuts or scrapes. Infected fleas can be carried by rats, domestic or community cats, dogs, raccoons and opossums. 

WHO GETS FLEA-BORNE TYPHUS?

Typhus can affect people of all ages. Most people do not recall a fleabite, but often have contact with animals such as community cats, opossums, rodents, or pet dogs or cats that can carry these infected fleas in or near their home. Pets and other animals do not become sick from typhus.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF TYPHUS?

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE TYPHUS?

CAN TYPHUS BE TREATED?

HOW CAN TYPHUS BE PREVENTED?

Preventing typhus begins with controlling fleas on pets and reducing opportunities for rodents and wildlife to spread them. You can help protect your household by taking the following steps:

PROTECT YOUR PETS

• Treat cats and dogs regularly with veterinarian-approved flea control medications (oral, topical, or flea collars).

• Groom pets regularly and check for fleas.

• Prevent contact between your pets and rodents, stray animals, or wildlife that may carry fleas.

• Keep your pet’s living space clean to remove flea eggs and larvae.

• Consult your veterinarian for the best flea prevention strategy for your pet.

KEEP WILDLIFE AND RODENTS AWAY

• Do not leave food or water outdoors that could attract stray animals or wildlife.

• Do not feed wild animals, including community cats.

• Clear away yard debris and overgrown vegetation where animals may hide.

• Seal openings and crawl spaces under homes to block entry.

MAINTAIN A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT

• Store trash in cans with tight-fitting lids.

• Apply EPA-registered insect repellents labeled for use against fleas when spending time outdoors.

By reducing fleas on pets and discouraging wildlife or rodents around your home, you also reduce the risk of typhus for your family and community.

Typhus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• TYPHUS CASES AND RESPONSE EFFORTS

  • PRESS RELEASE: City of Long Beach Reports Increased Flea-Borne Typhus Infections

    The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is closely monitoring flea-borne typhus cases and working with healthcare providers, veterinarians, and the community to reduce risks and increase awareness.

    While typhus cases have risen across Southern California, the Health Department is committed to transparency, timely updates, and education to help residents and visitors stay informed and healthy.

    Residents are encouraged to follow prevention guidelines to stay healthy. The Health Department continues to provide updates, education, and resources for residents, healthcare providers, and veterinarians to help control the spread of disease.
    
    Historical Typhus Case Trends (Long Beach, 2012-2025)

    Typhus Cases1 by Year in Long Beach, CA
    2012	13
    2013	13
    2014	8
    2015	11
    2016	20
    2017	11
    2018	20
    2019	15
    2020	19
    2021	28
    2022	13
    2023	19
    2024	23
    2025*	34
    Includes confirmed, probable, suspect cases *Year to date as of 10/21/2025

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• WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT TYPHUS?

  California Department of Public Health: 
  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Typhus.aspx 

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 

  https://www.cdc.gov/typhus/about/murine.html 

• RESOURCES

  • Flea-borne Typhus FAQ (PDF) - English | Spanish | Tagalog | Khmer 
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Murine Typhus | Typhus Fevers 
  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Typhus (Flea-borne) 

• QUESTIONS?

  For additional information call the Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control Division at (562) 570-4302.