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Typhus feeds flea fears By Philip Jankowski Fleas are always a nuisance, but this year the tiny insects may prove even more dangerous than usual with the outbreak of the flea-borne disease Typhus in neighboring Travis County. No cases of typhus have been reported in Williamson County, said Williamson County and Cities Health District Director of Nurses Jennifer Jackson, but because of the overly dry and hot conditions, fleas have been more prevalent this year and harder to control. The reported cases are a more dangerous strain of the disease. The 14 reported cases in Travis County have prompted a Centers for Disease Control investigation into the type and origin of the disease, said Carole Barasch, communications manager for the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department. Barasch said the likely strain of the disease is Murine Typhus, a disease spread to humans by fleas from rats, feral cats, raccoons and other animals. Though it is most prevalent in wild animals, flea infestations can cause the disease to be carried by domesticated animals, according to the CDC’s Web site. The site also stresses that flea-bearing animals need not be present in order for fleas to exist in a home or yard. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the disease is most common in South Texas, though cases are reported in other parts of the state as well. Symptoms of the disease include headache, fever, nausea and body aches, according to the Texas health department’s Web site. About six days into the infection, rashes may appear on the body’s midsection that will spread to arms and legs. Though usually not fatal, reports of the Austin strain have been more serious than typical Murine Typhus. Taylor animal control officer Tom Waggoner said he has been receiving complaints of flea infestations off of Cecilia Street between Lexington and Howard streets near central Taylor. “It is a drought year and that has contributed to the abundance (of fleas). They love gravel and they love dirt,” Waggoner said. “Travis County is just down the road so a lot of people are concerned.” Waggoner suggested having yards and pets treated for the pests should an infestation exist. The state health department recommended having yards treated for fleas even if there are no animals in the home. The Williamson County Humane Society offers flea treatments for pets. The treatment costs between $34 and $42 for a three-month supply, depending on the weight of the animal. Each treatment is typically effective for 30 days, a Humane Society official said.
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