With Wetter Weather, Lubbock Needs To Watch Out For Insect-Borne Disease

Like almost every native West Texan, I feel that all the rain we get in this area is a blessing. We've had quite a few rainy days recently, and I hope that we continue to receive more over the summer to keep temperatures down, help save on water/ irrigation costs, and help replenish our water supplies.

The Disease Risk That Comes With Moisture

Like plants and people, insects thrive in wetter weather. You have probably heard that some area mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile Virus; however, that isn't the only disease or insect we need to be aware of this year.

Read More: Dangerous West Nile Virus Confirmed: Essential Symptoms To Spot

I will supply a (too long) list of other mosquito-borne illnesses found in Texas; however, I first want to address another pest that can spread serious illnesses: the flea.

Flea-Borne Typhus In West Texas

Infected fleas from animals like rats, opossums, cats, dogs, and other small mammals (oh, which Lubbock has plenty) can spread Typhus. This disease sounds downright historical and not very familiar to modern life. However, this illness is endemic to Central and East Texas (places which many of us travel to) and has been reported in past years in the Lubbock area. Since fleas thrive in wet, warm conditions (it helps them lay their eggs), we could see this illness pop up in the area.

Read More: Alarming Numbers of Devastating Disease Reported in Texas

If you get exposed to fleas and start having symptoms like headache, fever, nausea, body aches, or a rash on the trunk of your body, be sure to tell your doctor about the fleas so they can test for this illness.

Mosquito-borne Illnesses