Can Fleas Kill Humans?
WouterFleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of their hosts. They can infest humans, animals, and even furniture. They can be especially problematic in southern areas of the USA and coastal Australia. Flea problems are rare in high-altitude, low-humidity regions like the Rocky Mountain region. But, if you notice fleas, you should treat them with care.
The bites of fleas are very painful and uncomfortable. They leave red lumps on your skin. They may also cause rashes and even an infection. In the worst case, you can get sick from flea bites. Fleas can also transmit a disease called rickettsia.
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on mammals. They use their ability to sense warmth and vibrations to locate their hosts. Their incredible jumping ability enables them to travel long distances. They also have an impressive elastomeric pad on their legs called resilin.
Fleas can transmit several diseases, including typhus. One species, Bartonella henselae, causes a flu-like illness in humans and causes swollen lymph nodes. The infection can be deadly in immunocompromised people. Fleas can also spread blood-borne pathogens, including Yersinia pestis and bubonic plague.
Although you cannot catch live fleas, you can get rid of them by treating your house. The best way to remove fleas is to use a fine-toothed comb to remove them. Using a flea comb will help you remove adult fleas, but it is not enough to eliminate the entire population of fleas in your home.
