Fleas are parasites that live on the skin of their hosts, that is, on the skin of mammals, birds, and even humans. Fleas spread plague around the world in the 14th century.
Fleas are vectors of disease, and in 14th century Europe caused one of the worst plague epidemics in human history. Photo: shutter stock.
On the morning of February 23, the Ha Tinh Center for Disease Control (CDC) recorded a series of cases of allergic dermatitis suspected of being bitten by insects. The wounds are concentrated in open skin areas, such as the upper arms, shins, and around the waistband of trousers. Through investigation, the public health center found that this insect has six legs (two long hind legs), has wings on a body the size of a grain of rice, and clings to livestock and poultry as well as other objects in the house.
Thus, Nguyen Huu Thanh, deputy director of Ha Tinh CDC, said that the people mentioned above had developed allergic dermatitis from flea bites.
Fleas thrive during the spring-summer transition.
Fleas usually occur during the spring-summer transition period. Fleas live on the skin of mammals and birds to feed on their blood. Fleas are carriers of many diseases, but the most dangerous is plague. In the 14th century, plague spread by rat fleas claimed the lives of an estimated 25 million Europeans (a quarter of the population at the time).
In addition, species of fleas that sting and suck blood often cause rashes and discomfort, especially humans. A lot of bites can cause allergies and dermatitis, and in the case of a strong reaction, red inflammation can spread around or scratch an itchy place, which can become a super infection.
Fleas often lay their eggs in nests on their hosts or in garbage heaps, mud, cracks in floors or walls, carpets, animal burrows, and even bird nests. The eggs may stick to the host’s skin or feathers or fall to the ground.
Adult fleas are 1-4 mm long, depending on the species, flattened on both sides, wingless, with well-developed legs, brown or dark brown depending on habitat.
Adult fleas tend to avoid light and are found hiding in animal down, feathers, beds, and human clothing. If conditions permit, fleas will always sting and suck blood, day and night. When bitten by a flea, people can identify it by bloodstains on clothing and bedding. Most fleas will prey on one or two host species when no preferred host is available. It shoots people or other animals. Adult fleas can survive without food and can live for several months.
Fleas grow best at 20-35 degrees Celsius and 70-85% humidity. Under unfavorable conditions, fleas can live up to one year and live up to one year as pupae. In indoor environments, fleas breed all year round. Outdoors, fleas only grow during the warmer months. In the north of Vietnam, fleas thrive during the spring-summer transition from February to April.
Basic measures against fleas
The National Institute of Malaria, Parasitology, and Entomology suggests that people can use one or more measures to combat fleas, including measures that eliminate the flea’s primary host. You can use chemicals to destroy flea habitat or clean up the environment. Additionally, humans must kill mice to reduce the flea’s source of parasitic hosts.
Some flea species are common in Vietnam.
In the case of blood-sucking fleas, you can apply to your skin to repel insects, and you can prevent and protect yourself with chemicals that you spray on your clothes and animal fur. Maintain house hygiene, clean living environment, and wash blankets and pillows regularly. If flea infestation is severe, you can prevent fleas by spraying insecticide in crevices, crevices, and corners of rooms where fleas and larvae are present.
For dog and cat fleas, you can use an acceptable amount of the chemical to kill the fleas. Additionally, dog and cat litter can be washed in hot soapy water, burned or treated with chemicals to prevent fleas.
However, dealing with flea infestations is not easy, especially in densely populated urban areas. The institute recommends that you do not buy chemical treatment agents alone, but invite people who are experts in insect prevention to thoroughly treat them and ensure safety.
