Diseases That Fleas Pass on
WouterThere are many different types of diseases that can be transmitted through fleas. Fortunately, the majority of these diseases are not life-threatening, and they can be easily treated once they are identified. Fleas are often the source of a wide variety of diseases, from rashes to serious infections.
A cat scratch fever infection can occur when fleas feed on your skin. The condition causes itchy and inflamed skin and may require antibiotic treatment. Murine typhus, also known as flea-borne typhus, can be spread through fleas carrying Rickettsia typhi bacteria. This disease is typically found in tropical climates, and symptoms include fever, body aches, and a rash.
The bites of fleas can be extremely itchy and can lead to secondary infections. If the flea bites break the skin, they can cause a staph or MRSA infection. Fortunately, most flea bites aren’t infectious, but they can lead to more serious problems.
The most common disease transmitted by fleas is rickettsiosis, but there are other types of diseases that fleas can transmit to humans. While the most common disease is rickettsiosis caused by fleas, they can also transmit plague, which is caused by the highly pathogenic bacterium Yersinia pestis. This disease has been responsible for three great pandemics and is still endemic in Africa. It is particularly prevalent in Northwestern Uganda (the West Nile region).
Tapeworms are another common disease that fleas can pass on. These parasites can be transmitted to humans through infected fleas, but they won’t make your pet unwell. They will, however, give your pet an itchy bottom and a tummy ache.
