Medical Health Encyclopedia

Fleas


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Flea
Flea
Flea bite - close-up
Flea bite - close-up
Insect, the basic features of adults
Insect, the basic features of adults
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Definition

Fleas are blood-sucking insects that feed on humans, dog, cats, and other animals. Fleas do not have wings.


Alternative Names

Dog fleas; Siphonaptera


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Fleas prefer to live on dogs and cats, but may also be found on humans and other available animals. Pet owners may not be bothered by fleas until their pet is gone for a lengthy period of time, and the fleas must find another place to go. This is when they begin to bite humans. Bites frequently occur around the waist, ankles, armpits, and in the bend of the elbows and knees.



Review Date: 10/17/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.




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