An increase of cases of flea-borne typhus has been reported in McKinney, according to an Aug. 9 news release from Collin County Health Care Services.
Five cases have been reported in McKinney, said Daphne Lynch, an epidemiologist with the county. Lynch called the spike in cases "unusual," noting that there have only been four total cases county-wide over the past 10 years.
"We'll continue to watch for reported cases, as it is a notifiable condition in the state of Texas," Lynch said.
The specifics
Flea-borne typhus, which is also known as “murine” or “endemic,” is spread through human contact with fleas, the release states.
The bacteria is spread through flea bites or when flea dirt—the result of fleas defecating as they feed—is rubbed into existing wounds, rubbed into a person’s eyes or inhaled. The bacteria does not spread from person to person.
Individuals affected by flea-borne typhus experience a range of symptoms, such as:
- Headaches
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting
What you need to know
To minimize the risk of contracting flea-borne typhus, county health officials recommend taking steps to avoid contact with fleas.
Some tips from officials include:
- Keep grass mowed and yards clean to avoid rodents, opossums and stray cats that may try to live there.
- Remove brush and trash, and keep firewood off the ground.
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
- Treat for fleas before beginning rodent control in your house and yard to avoid fleas looking for new hosts as rodents die.
- Check your pets for fleas regularly, and consult a veterinarian about flea control products.
- Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent when spending time outside.
For more information on typhus, visit the Department of State Health Services’ website. Collin County Health Care Services can be reached at 972-548-4707 or [email protected].
