Two rickettsia deaths confirmed in San Luis, Mexico

SAN LUIS, Mexico (KYMA) - Dr. Jose Luis Alomia Zegarra, the Secretary of Health in Sonora, Mexico is warning residents about the risk of rickettsia as the deadly tick-borne illness continues to spread.

Two people in San Luis, Mexico have died from rickettsia while the state of Sonora has reported 40 deaths and nearly 730 suspected cases this year.

Secretary Zegarra said the disease can be transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, including the brown dog tick, which can be found not only on pets, but also in and around the home.

"We are currently facing a major problem with ticks during the summer, along with other diseases; dogs need to be vaccinated to prevent any kind of infection...we must be responsible," said Maria Dolores Gonzalez, a San Luis, Mexico resident.

Symptoms can include a sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain and general discomfort, and they can easily be mistaken for other illnesses.

The secretary also wants to remind the public not to abandon or harm their pets, saying the best way to reduce the risk is through proper pet care, cleaning and tick control.