Figure 5-7. Delousing procedure.
Section V. FLEA-BORNE DISEASES
5-14. FLEAS
Fleas are medically important because they produce irritating bites and transmit
diseases to man. The fleas that attack man live chiefly on cats, dogs, and rodents.
When man lives and works in close association with these animals, conditions are ideal
for the occurrence of flea-borne diseases. Although fleas have certain host
preferences, they will transfer to and feed on different animals, including man.
a. Life Cycle. Fleas go through four stages of development--egg, larva, pupa,
and adult (fig 5-8).
b. Adult Fleas. The adult fleas are wingless and their bodies are flat on the
sides. They have strong, spiny legs that enable them to move rapidly among the hairs
of the host and to jump several inches. Both male and female fleas have mouthparts
used for piercing the skin and sucking blood from the host.
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