Fleas are small parasitic insects that are known for their ability to jump. They typically feed on blood or organic matter, and prefer to infest animals. Outdoor grassy areas where animals frequent become breeding grounds for fleas. When humans come into contact with cats or dogs that have fleas, they are at risk of being bitten. So what are the dangers of being bitten by fleas?
Are fleas toxic?
Fleas can survive in many different environments. While they are not inherently toxic, they feed on the blood of animals and consume feces and organic debris, which can contain bacteria and pathogens. When fleas bite human skin, they have the potential to transmit diseases such as the plague. So in that sense, fleas can be considered toxic.
What are the symptoms of flea bites?
The body's reaction to flea bites varies from person to person. Some people may not have any reaction at all, while others may experience redness, papules, wheals, and swelling of the skin. There may be small purplish-red spots at the site of the bite, resembling the mark of a needle. In some cases, blisters may appear on the swollen surface.
Hazards of flea bites in allergic individuals
For individuals with allergies, flea bites can lead to the development of skin diseases. Seasonal eczema may occur at the site of flea bites, with varying sizes of raised rashes on the skin, typically measuring around 0.5 centimeters. Allergic individuals may experience larger areas of dark redness with a prominent red dot in the center. The itching can be severe and last for several days.
Hazards of flea bites in children
Children often exhibit significant symptoms after being bitten by fleas, showing hives-like eruptions. They may experience intense itching and commonly scratch the affected areas, resulting in scratch marks, scabs, or secondary infections.
Hazards of flea bites from rats
Rats can carry fleas infected with a small bacterium called Yersinia pestis, which causes the bubonic plague. When the flea feeds on the blood of an infected rat, its digestive tract becomes filled with these bacteria. If the flea then bites a human, the blood is blocked by the bacteria in its esophagus, preventing it from reaching the stomach. Instead, the blood is regurgitated into the human, introducing the Yersinia pestis bacteria and potentially causing the person to contract the plague. Symptoms of flea bites from rats include itching at the bite site, and when scratched, the person may introduce the bacteria into tiny wounds, leading to infection. Flea bites present as small red dots.
What should you do if you are bitten by fleas?
1. Clean the wound and apply products such as camphor spirits, menthol oil, or anti-itch creams. Regularly wash with sulfur soap and maintain personal hygiene.
2. Keep your home environment clean, and ensure good hygiene for pets. Wash and boil clothing, bedding, and other items that come into direct contact with the body.
3. Use disinfectants and insecticides in all corners of the house. Apply 10% sulfur ointment evenly on the body and bedding for several consecutive days. Don't worry about staining clothes, as sulfur ointment has an unpleasant smell but is harmless to the body. It effectively kills all ectoparasites.
Note: This translation has been edited to fit American reading habits, but the meaning of the original article remains unchanged.
