SAN DIEGO (Border Report) In Baja California, including the city of Tijuana, 19 deaths this year have been attributed to rickettsia, according to Adrián Medina Amarillas, the state’s secretary of health.

The National Institute of Health says the rickettsia bacterium is found in ticks, lice, fleas, mites, chiggers, and mammals such as cats and dogs.

Medina Amarillas told reporters on Wednesday, they are issuing a public health warning due to the high number of rickettsia cases in the state.

Two years ago, 17 people died in Baja as a result of rickettsia.

The infection spreads through the circulatory system affecting internal organs and can cause death if not treated.

The state of Baja California is asking people to make sure their homes are clean and to fumigate if possible making sure their pets are clean and free from fleas or tics.

They’re also asking the public to get rid of old furniture such as couches where the bugs tend to nest.

“We are number one in the country, in terms of cases, because of rickettsia, it’s a real problem,” said Medina Amarillas. “The symptoms are very much like a common cold and could be confused, we urge people to seek medical attention if they’re not feeling well or if the symptoms linger.”