New study finds fleas on Rio Grande Valley cats carrying disease-causing typhus bacteria
· KRGV (NBC 5)
A recent study revealed that some cats in the Rio Grande Valley are infested with fleas that carry typhus bacteria, posing a health risk to humans. Andres Martinez, a resident of Indian Hills, is recovering from typhus and shared his experience after learning about the study. Hidalgo County reported 98 typhus cases in 2023, contributing to nearly 1,400 cases since 2008, which accounts for 20% of Texas's total cases. Researchers found the bacteria in fleas from six out of 167 sampled cats. Local health officials urge pet owners to keep their animals flea-free and report strays, while advising anyone with symptoms to seek testing.
AI summary · Source: KRGV (NBC 5) →
