The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported that last year there were over 200 documented flea-borne typhus cases in the area, setting a new county record. The cases occurred across all ages and about 90% were hospitalized. The disease, also known as murine or endemic typhus, is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi and is a relative of the bacteria responsible for epidemic typhus. It can cause serious illness but is preventable with simple steps such as regular flea control on pets and avoiding contact with stray animals. The health department also noted that there were 220 cases identified in LA last year, the highest since modern tracking began.