These small insects have a size of only 1.5 to 4 mm, are gifted by nature with a flattened body on the sides, a small head with two antennae and long legs with five-segmented paws and a pair of claws. Fleas can be dark brown to black. This insect is ubiquitous.
Fleas live on the human body, domestic animals (horses, cats, dogs), and are often found in wild predators. They are parasitic and have several devices for this. Fleas are easily moved in humans through the hair, and in animals through the hair, due to their smooth, flat body and bristles that are directed back. Sensing danger, an insect can jump a distance that is 120 times larger than its body. Fleas feed on blood, which is obtained through the piercing-sucking mouth apparatus, however, they can starve for a long time without damage to life.
Fleas are very prolific, one female lays more than 400 eggs of white color and an oblong shape, and she hides her offspring in the crevices of the floors, in sawdust, in garbage, etc. Larvae appear from the eggs - worm-shaped, white in color and without legs, with mouth gnawing organs. The diet of the larvae consists of decomposing organic residues and feces of fleas. Larvae spin a cocoon and pupate, after a couple of weeks, if the ambient temperature is favorable, young fleas appear. The new generation begins to watch over its victim when a person or animal appears, they jump and cling to the villi of clothing or wool.
Fleas in humans as carriers of infections
In addition to the fact that a flea bite on a person causes a lot of discomfort, it can also be contagious. The following infections transmitted by insects are especially dangerous to human health:
- tularemia;
- typhus;
- plague;
- pseudotuberculosis;
- erisipeloid;
- anthrax;
- brucellosis.
Also, living on an animal, and then, passing to a person, a flea becomes an intermediate host of the parasite. Having bitten a person, she passes him harmful organisms and as a result affects helminthiasis.
What to do?
Do not comb flea bites on a person, otherwise you can get re-infection. Lubricate the affected area with brilliant green, iodine or soapy water. To remove itching, irritation and swelling, you can attach a piece of ice. Apple cider vinegar helps to relieve irritation, and you can disinfect the bite with ordinary baking soda. Allergic reactions are removed by antihistamines.
A flea bite in humans can cause symptoms such as intoxication, headache, weakness, fever, or suppuration of the wound. Very often, these symptoms appear in children due to thinner and softer skin. Of course, in this situation it is foolish to self-medicate, you need to go to the doctor.
The most dangerous flea, photo
The greatest danger to humans is sand fleas. These fleas in humans penetrate under the skin layers and begin to multiply intensively. A purulent abscess appears on the spot, which provokes all kinds of serious diseases. In this case, the prevention becomes the wearing of socks and shoes, cleanliness in residential premises. After walking through the infected areas, you need to thoroughly wash your feet and shoes. The treatment is performed by a surgeon. The doctor removes the flea with tweezers and disinfects the affected area.