Most myths surround fleas, but the truth is that they can result in some serious illnesses. Fleas can get humans sick because they are a parasitic insect and they are known to carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can affect humans. In addition to this, in really extreme cases, these insects have been known to transmit diseases that could be life-threatening even to healthy adults. How do fleas transmit disease? Fleas are insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Although there are hundreds of varieties that live on birds and mammals, cat fleas and dog fleas are the two most common household fleas. Fleas were around before humans. In fact, there are fossils of fleas dating back to 50 million years ago. Although fleas are annoying pests, they could be viewed as indicators of good hygiene in the home. The longer flea infestation lasts in a home or business, the dirtier it most likely is. A flea infestation in a home usually leads to an expensive control problem. A single female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime and if conditions are right, the entire population of fleas in a home can grow from a few fleas to thousands within the course of only a few weeks. If you have a pet, you are living among potentially hundreds of tiny insects each day without even knowing it. No matter how conscientious you may be about vacuuming every day and keeping pet bath areas spotless, there’s little chance that you will ever completely eliminate the problem on your own. Fleas are small, jumping insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Their bites cause skin inflammation, allergic reactions and open skin lesions. Bacteria that live in their intestines can also cause diseases.

Can Fleas Get Humans Sick

Can fleas transmit disease?

The answer is yes, fleas can transmit disease to humans. However, it’s important to remember that the insects themselves are not able to make you sick—they just carry diseases that can affect both animals and people. Fleas are vectors for a number of different illnesses, including plague (bubonic and septicemic), tapeworms and other parasites, typhus fever and even tuberculosis. If you have a pet infested with fleas and it scratches or bites you while trying to get at them, they could transmit these diseases through your skin as well.

If you do come down with an illness after being bitten by a flea-ridden animal or human companion who has recently been exposed to one of these bugs yourself—the best thing you can do is see your doctor right away so he or she can prescribe medication that will help treat whatever symptoms you’re experiencing

What to do if a flea bites you.

If a flea bites you and it’s still there, use your fingernails to pull it off. Then wash the area with soap and water. Apply a hydrocortisone cream to soothe the itching. If you have an allergy to insect bites, speak to your doctor about taking antihistamines or using ointments that contain cortisone.

If the flea bite is on your skin but has already passed: Wash the area with soap and water; then apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for comfort.

If you are bitten by a flea in bed: Remove all bedding from around where you sleep (including any pillows) and wash them separately in hot water; throw away anything that cannot be washed (such as stuffed animals), vacuum carpets thoroughly, mop hardwood floors daily until all signs of infestation are gone, then follow up by vacuuming every few days for at least two weeks afterward

What diseases can humans get from fleas?

Fleas can be transmitted by the bite of an infected flea, or even by swallowing the parasite itself. Fleas are a source of tapeworms, which are often found in both dogs and cats. The most infamous type of flea-borne disease is the bubonic plague or Black Death, but there are other types that can affect humans as well.

How to keep fleas from biting you.

• Keep pets on a flea treatment program
• Use flea repellent on your pets
• Make sure to wash pet bedding regularly (at least once a week)
• Vacuum your home regularly (at least once a week) and use a vacuum that has an attachment for hair removal from upholstery and carpet, as well as hardwood floors, where you will be able to dislodge eggs and larvae from their hiding places in the carpet fibers

Fleas can be more than just a nuisance. If a pet brings them into your home, there may be risks for your family’s health.

Fleas can carry or transmit diseases to people and other animals. They can also cause human diseases directly.

Fleas are a vector for several serious infections, including plague, typhus, and murine typhus fever. In addition to these three diseases, fleas have been implicated in transmitting other pathogens that affect the skin and blood of humans. Fleas do not spread HIV/AIDS but they may be involved in spreading Bartonella henselae (Cat-Scratch Disease), which is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected cats or dogs.