Flea Transmitted Diseases
Besides causing itching in pets and humans, fleas can transmit several diseases, at least one of which is potentially deadly. Fortunately, thanks to modern medical advances, most flea transmitted diseases are curable and the most dangerous conditions rarely appear in civilized countries.
As a carrier of disease, fleas are most well known for their role in transmitting the Bubonic Plague. Bubonic plague is transmitted to humans when an infected flea bites a human victim. Fleas catch Bubonic Plague by feeding on infected rodents. The plague itself is caused by a bacteria. While responsible for millions of deaths in the past, today plague is a rarity in the United States, seen only occasionally in Southern California, New Mexico and Southwest Texas.Symptoms of the plague include a swollen lymph node,( the buboe),which if untreated can lead to a massive infection that can spread throughout the body and is frequently fatal.
Murine Typhus is another condition spread by fleas . Unlike epidemic typhus, Murine Typhus is a mild febrile condition caused by a tiny organism called a Riketsia. The disease is spread to humans who are bitten by infected fleas . Infection occurs when the flea feces mix into the blood of the bite area. Murine typhus is rare in the United States, most cases are from Texas.
Fleas may also be a vector for spreading tapeworm infection. The infection is transmitted when humans accidentally ingest infected fleas.
Another disease which can be transmitted to humans from fleas is cat scratch fever. Bartonella henselae are the cause of this disease. The condition can be transmitted to humans when an open sore accidentally comes in contact with flea droppings mixed into the fur of a pet cat. The condition can cause painful swollen nodes, but is otherwise not serious.
Flea allergy dermatitis, an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva, is one of the most common causes of skin disease in dogs and cats. Allergy dermatitis can lead to hair loss, and secondary skin irritations. In extreme cases, the dermatitis can become infected.
Finally, extreme flea infestations can lead to pet anemia and even pet death.
Today, thanks to modern medical treatments, flea pests are known mostly for the annoyance of their itchy bites and the allergic dermatitis caused by the scratching of their bites.
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