How Bad Are Fleas For Humans?

You may be wondering how bad are fleas for humans. Fleas are tiny insects without wings, but they are remarkably resilient. They have a pleural arch made of elastic material and store protein called resilin to jump. In fact, it is thought that fleas are like superheroes of the animal kingdom. But flea bites are not just unpleasant for humans – they can cause serious health conditions.

Fleas usually bite humans near the foot or ankle. Unlike bedbugs, fleas do not anesthetize wounds, so they can quickly attack. In most cases, humans are able to swat the fleas off of themselves. However, it is important to be aware of the signs of flea bites and how to spot them. For example, if a child is getting flea bites from a babysitter’s pet, that babysitter may have a pet of her own.

Human cases of flea-borne disease are relatively rare in the U.S. but increased travel abroad and warmer temperatures are putting us at higher risk. The most well-known flea-transmitted disease is the bubonic plague. In the 14th century, this disease, also known as the “Black Death,” killed 25 million people in Europe. Though rare in the United States, cases of the disease are still reported throughout the world. The disease is transmitted from rodents, but humans can also be infected if they come in contact with the infected rodents.

Flea bites are often red, itchy bumps. The center of the bite is where the mouthpart of the flea inserted into the skin. The bite often bleeds slightly, but there is usually only a slight swelling. The skin around the bite can also become irritated and scratched, which can result in secondary infections.