There has been an increase in cases of Flea-borne Typhus, also known as “murine” or “endemic,” identified in McKinney, TX. Typhus is spread to people through contact with infected fleas. Fleas become infected when they bite infected animals, such as rats, cats, or opossums. When an infected flea bites a person or animal, the bite breaks the skin, causing a wound. Fleas defecate when they feed. This feces, also called flea dirt, contains bacteria, which can be rubbed into the bite wound or other wounds, causing an infection. However, less than 5% of patients will recall a flea bite or exposure in the one to two weeks preceding illness. People can also breathe in infected flea dirt or rub it into their eyes. These bacteria do not spread from person to person.​

For more information, see attachments.