The city of McKinney is warning residents about an increase in cases of flea-borne Typhus, also known as “murine” or “endemic.” Typhus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected fleas. These fleas acquire the infection by biting infected animals, such as rats, cats, or opossums. When an infected flea bites a person or animal, the bite punctures the skin, creating a wound. Fleas defecate while feeding, and their feces, known as flea dirt, contain bacteria that can enter the bite wound or other open wounds, leading to infection. Fewer than 5% of patients recall a flea bite or exposure in the…