Can Fleas Make Humans Sick?
WouterWhile fleas are not harmful to humans, they do carry diseases. Fleas can carry murine typhus, which is most common in rodents and mice, but can also affect humans. People with murine typhus can suffer from headaches, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. They may also develop small blisters or pimples around the midsection. This disease can be transmitted from one pet to another through the flea’s bites.
In developed countries, fleas can spread minor diseases. But in some areas, they can cause serious illnesses. Infected fleas can carry diseases like plague. These infections are caused by a bacteria called Yersinia pestis, which is spread from animal to animal. The most common victims are young children and the elderly. Luckily, plague is usually treatable with antibiotics.
Fleas can live up to two weeks without feeding, but they can live for as long as 12 months on a host. They also lay eggs in carpets, bedding, and gardens. While fleas can be difficult to identify, they can be eliminated by using insect repellents with ingredients like DEET or picaridin. Long-sleeved clothing will also help reduce your exposure to fleas.
Fleas can also carry tapeworms. Though many people assume that tapeworms are caused by dogs, this is not the case. They can infect humans when they bite a human. In fact, there are two ways for human to contract tapeworms: through contact with infected fleas and by eating infected food. Children are more susceptible to tapeworm infection than adults.
