With the variety of fleas found around the world, such as cat, dog, rat, and human fleas, Texas is known to have issues with cat, dog, and human fleas. When fleas are noticed, they are often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, however, fleas reproduce quickly and can be a risk to health. People should start the process of elimination at the first sign there are fleas inside your home to avoid serious issues. As diseases can develop from flea infestations, we at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control would like to list a few of the most common diseases generally spread by cat fleas.
Murine Typhus Rash & Other Symptoms
The vector of this disease is brought close to home from the rats that are primary carriers for Murine typhus and the fleas that are in contact with them often spill onto cats. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, people are infected from the flea bite that was infected with Murine typhus. When the flea is biting to feast on blood, it will defecate. From scratching the bite or just being too close, the contaminated fecal matter will enter the bloodstream. Headache, body aches, fever, and nausea are the common symptoms of Murine typhus. A rash develops on the body’s trunk after the initial bite and will eventually spread to the arms and legs. If you suspect you may have Murine typhus it is crucial that you seek medical attention. In areas where there is a heavier rat population are the people more at risk.
Mycoplasma Haemofelis
Mycoplasma haemofelis is a parasitic bacterial disease that is transmitted to cats through flea bites, however this disease can also be spread by ticks, mosquitoes and other types of fleas. Cats will develop a fever and anemia from an infection in the red blood cells caused from this disease. People can be infected by Mycoplasma haemofelis as the evidence suggests, especially for people with a compromised immune system. If you or your pet becomes infected with Mycoplasma haemofelis, medical attention needs to be prompt.
Tapeworms
Potentially equally infected are cats, dogs, and humans where the tapeworms make the intestines home. Pets usually develop tapeworms by swallowing an infected flea. Mice with fleas or tapeworms eaten by cats can also cause cats to become infected. Children can be easily infected as well should they swallow an infected flea while playing outside, adults are just as susceptible, but less likely. Children and pets pass segments of tapeworms during their bowel movements.
Cat Scratch Disease
A disease very common among felines is the the bacteria Bartonella henselae, that causes cat scratch fever. At some point in their life, especially likely as kittens, about 40% of cats will experience this disease. In some cats, severe systems may manifest vomiting, decrease in appetite, lethargy, red eyes, and swollen lymph nodes. At most, it is common for cats to experience fevers. Cats infected will not always generate symptoms. People can also be infected with cat scratch fever if an infected cat scratches or bites a person hard enough to break the skin, or any present wounds or scabs are licked by a cat.
Flea & Tick Pest Inspection & Control Treatment in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
To minimize the risk of these diseases and many others ensure precautions are taken around your home and property by protecting your pet with flea products and having A Five Star Termite & Pest Control treat your home for fleas, ticks, and other harmful pests.
