How Contagious is Fleas?
WouterIf you’re wondering how contagious fleas are, you’re not alone. Fleas are incredibly tiny – they’re less than an eighth of an inch long, and reddish brown in color. The adults are flat and have long claws on the legs. Their adaptations enable them to get between hair strands, and they have spines on their back and mouth. This means they can spread disease by inhaling a person’s bodily fluids.
While flea bites do not leave visible skin lesions, they can be irritating. If you’re allergic, your skin may become red and swollen, and you might have a hypersensitive reaction to the irritation. Fleas can also cause infection, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
While the number of cases of flea-borne diseases is low in the U.S., the risk is increasing with increased international travel and rising temperatures. One of the most famous diseases transmitted by fleas is the Bubonic plague, also known as the “Black Death.” This disease caused 25 million deaths in Europe during the 14th century. The plague is still present in many parts of the world and is spread by fleas that bite animals.
The best way to prevent a flea infestation is to prevent them from being introduced into your home. Fleas can be carried by humans and can remain on shoes, clothing and bedding. They may also be present in plush toys. You should always wash these items frequently with hot water afterward to prevent the spread of fleas.
