flea

It can spread to humans and pets from the bite of an infected flea or from coming into close contact with, or handling, an infected rodent.

Two California plague cases were reported in 2015, probably caused by bites from an infected flea or rodent in Yosemite National Park.

He recommends that vets screen dogs for common vector-borne diseases in annual wellness exams, and that dog owners put their pets on year-round flea, tick and heartworm prevention medication.

We go somewhere, maybe a crowded house party or a flea market, and someone strikes up a conversation.

The disease is caused by Rickettsia typhi bacteria, which can be spread to humans when feces from infected fleas is rubbed into cuts or scrapes on the skin or into the eyes.