Can Fleas Kill You?

Fleas are small blood-sucking parasites that feed on the blood of people and animals. Their bites are red, swollen, and intensely itchy. You can reduce the swelling and itchiness with ice packs or anaesthetic cream. If fleas persist, however, you may need to contact a licensed pest control operator for professional assistance.

While fleas are usually associated with wild animals, they also infect humans. There are more than 2,000 species of fleas and many of these are adapted to living on humans. In centuries past, fleas were one of the leading causes of death during plagues. Luckily, fleas aren’t as dangerous as they used to be.

Fleas feed by puncturing animal skin and sucking blood. While they prefer the blood of animals over humans, they are able to coexist with humans. When the preferred host is absent, fleas can accumulate. Without an appropriate host, adult fleas will attack any warm-blooded animal, including humans.

Fleas can cause a variety of illnesses, including the plague. It is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is carried by fleas. Millions of people died in Europe in the Middle Ages due to the plague. Though it isn’t very common in the United States, it can still infect humans and animals.

Flea bites are extremely itchy, and they can lead to secondary infections. You should consult a doctor if you notice a flea bite. The bites are usually tiny, red, and painful.