SAN DIEGO (Border Report) -- The number of rickettsia-related deaths in the state of Baja California is up to 31 so far this year, according health officials.

Twenty of those cases have been in the city of Tijuana.

"Throughout the state, we are confirming numerous positive cases," said José Adrián Medina Amarillas, Baja's Health Secretary. "As of now, we have been able to protect many, but unfortunately this is an illness with a short lifespan and we couldn't save everyone."

Medina Amarillas made those comments during a news conference Thursday. He also said it is vital for people who are bitten by certain pests to be treated within the first five days.

"These symptoms can be confused with other viral illnesses, doctors who see someone might miss it as being something else," he said.

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