Texas Sees Surge In Fleaborne Typhus Cases This Year

A warning has been issued for Texas pet owners!

Flea-borne Typhus is on the Rise in Texas

Texas is experiencing an explosion of flea-borne typhus cases. At this point in the year, the state has reported 682 cases with the illness reaching its peak between late summer and fall. Due to the larger populations living in closer proximity, areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio have seen more cases.

How is Flea-borne Typhus Spread?

The disease is spread by fleas that thrive in warm conditions. Fleas become infected when they bite infected animals, such as rats, cats, or opossums. Typhus spreads to humans via contact with cats and dogs.

Tasha Stevens

Symptoms of Flea-borne Typhus

According to the CDC, symptoms can appear anywhere between three and 14 days after contact with infected fleas. Common signs of infection in humans include: Fever and chills, headache, and muscle pain, Stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, Cough and Rash.

Treatment Options for Flea-borne Typhus

Most cases respond well to antibiotics like doxycycline. If left untreated, hospitalization may be necessary and organ damage can occur. Around 1% of cases result in death.

How to Prevent Flea Infestations in and Around Your Home

Pets that spend any amount of time outdoors need to be on some type of flea preventative. If an infestation is already present, oral medications like Capstar and kill all the fleas on your pet immediately. A topical flea medication can follow or another type of oral medication that is time release over several months. Do NOT use Permethrin on cats.

Why do cats have whiskers? Why do they meow? Why do they nap so much? And answers to 47 other kitty questions:

Why do they meow? Why do they nap so much? Why do they have whiskers? Cats, and their undeniably adorable babies known as kittens, are mysterious creatures. Their larger relatives, after all, are some of the most mystical and lethal animals on the planet. Many questions related to domestic felines, however, have perfectly logical answers. Here’s a look at some of the most common questions related to kittens and cats, and the answers cat lovers are looking for.

Gallery Credit: Andrew Lisa