Can Fleas Carry Disease?

Fleas are pests that are commonly blamed for a variety of diseases, including plague, tularaemia, and murine typhus. They can also cause allergic reactions and even self-harm in pets. They are also responsible for several rabies cases each year in the United States, although these are typically seen in wildlife. Rabies is an extremely painful disease that is transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals.

Flea bites can cause a variety of secondary infections, such as staph and MRSA. Although flea bites can cause pain and swelling, most are harmless. However, some people may be allergic to flea bites, in which case they should avoid them. The bite of a flea can also cause skin irritation, inflammation, and itching.

Cats and dogs are particularly prone to getting tapeworm, which is caused by fleas. Cats and dogs may accidentally ingest an infected flea when grooming themselves. People rarely contract tapeworms from fleas, though. Occasionally, young children playing outdoors may accidentally ingest a flea.

Although murine typhus is rare in the United States, it can infect humans by inhaling the flea feces. Most cases occur in rural areas in the western United States. It can also be contracted by touching or handling the infected fleas’ poop.