Do Fleas Carry Diseases?
WouterIf you have a pet dog, cat or pig, you are likely to be concerned that fleas carry disease. The presence of fleas increases your risk of contracting a number of different illnesses, including Lyme disease and leishmaniasis. Luckily, a variety of tests are available to find out whether fleas carry any of these diseases.
Fleas belong to the order Siphonaptera and comprise around 2500 species. Two families, Ceretophyllidae and Pulicidae, have veterinary and medical importance. Infections in these families can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from rashes to allergies. Fleas can also transmit these diseases to humans through bites or skin abrasions.
Although rare, fleas can carry a number of diseases. The most common is plague, which can infect humans and animals. This disease is usually contracted by flea bites, and is spread to humans through contact with infected fleas or contaminated tissues. The symptoms of plague usually develop within two to three days after the flea bites a person.
Fleas are bloodsucking parasites and feed on the blood of their host. They can spread many diseases and parasites to humans and animals. They are especially dangerous to young children, since they are more susceptible to infections. They tend to hide in carpets and cracks, which makes them a prime breeding ground for diseases and parasites.
