These small insects are only 1.5 to 4 mm in size, endowed by nature with a flattened body, a small head with two antennae and long legs with five-membered paws and a pair of claws. Fleas can be dark brown to black in color. This insect is distributed everywhere.
Fleas live on the human body, domestic animals (horses, cats, dogs), and are often found in wild predators. They parasitize and have several adaptations for this. Fleas easily move in people's hair, and in animals through their fur, thanks to their smooth, flat body and bristles that are directed backwards. Sensing danger, an insect can jump a distance that is 120 times its body. Fleas feed on blood, which is obtained by means of a piercing-sucking mouth apparatus, but they can starve for a long time without compromising life.
Fleas are very prolific, one female lays more than 400 eggs of white color and oblong shape, and she hides her offspring in the cracks of the floors, in sawdust, in garbage, etc. Larvae appear from the eggs - worm-shaped, white and without legs, with oral gnawing organs. The diet of the larvae consists of decaying organic residues and feces.fleas. The larvae spin a cocoon and pupate, after a couple of weeks, if the ambient temperature is favorable, young fleas appear. A new generation begins to watch for its prey, 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 insect-borne infections are especially dangerous to human he alth:
- tularemia;
- typhoid fever;
- plague;
- pseudotuberculosis;
- erysipeloid;
- anthrax;
- brucellosis.
Also, living on an animal, and then, moving to a person, a flea becomes an intermediate host of the parasite. Having bitten a person, she transmits harmful organisms to him and, as a result, infects with helminthiasis.
What to do?
Flea bites should not be combed on a person, otherwise you can get re-infected. Lubricate the affected area with brilliant green, iodine or soapy water. To relieve 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 appearin children due to thinner and more delicate 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 the skin layers and begin to multiply intensively. A purulent abscess appears on the spot, which provokes all sorts of serious diseases. In this case, prevention is the wearing of socks and shoes, cleanliness in residential premises. After walking in contaminated areas, you must thoroughly wash your feet and shoes. The treatment is performed by the surgeon. The doctor removes the flea with tweezers and disinfects the affected area.
