In April, I noted that Los Angeles County reported a record countywide surge in typhus, with 220 confirmed human cases in 2025 and about 90% requiring hospitalization. Furthermore, there were multiple localized “outbreak zones” besides Skid Row, including in Santa Monica.
As a reminder, typhus is a flea-borne disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi. Fleas become infected when they bite infected animals (like rats who scurry around homeless camps). Once infected, the flea spreads the disease to humans when flea feces are rubbed into the eyes or come into contact with cuts or scrapes on the skin.
Historical documents confirm typhus has been a major killer, especially in times of war or famine. Its mortality rate is 10-15 in untreated cases, and can be as high as 40% in vulnerable populations. It is truly a medieval disease.
Then, in May, Los Angeles mayoral aspirant Spencer Pratt promised he would clear the city of medieval diseases.
Now, for some strange reason, city officials seem more motivated to clear the encampments.
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