How Are Fleas Transmitted?
WouterA common question for many people is, “How are fleas transmitted?” The answer varies by species, but they are usually transmitted via the bite of an animal. The prevalence of fleas and their intensity varies throughout the year depending on the number of hosts. Seasonality also plays a role, as fleas in some areas may be more active during certain times of the year.
Fleas are spread through human contact, and most commonly via a dog or cat. A dog can carry up to five female fleas, each of which can lay up to 25 eggs per day. Of these, 75 percent of the 125 eggs are nonviable. The rest are either eaten by the host or cannibalized. Fleas that survive are unharmed and must return to their host within a few days.
Adult fleas spend most of their lives on hosts such as cats and dogs. They reproduce quickly and usually complete their life cycle within 17 to 26 days. Female fleas lay eggs on surfaces that are frequently occupied by pets and other pets. Their eggs are white and oval in shape, about 1/32″ in length.
The typhus flea is the main carrier of the murine typhus virus, which infects humans. Fortunately, this type of flea is extremely rare in the United States. Most cases occur abroad and in tropical areas. Infections caused by murine typhus are generally curable with antibiotics.
