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Fleas are small, wingless parasitic insects that have a hard, shiny surface and travel by jumping. Flea bites usually cause only mild symptoms in humans that can be relieved by home treatment measures, such as non-prescription cortisone cream.
Signs and symptoms of flea bites may include:
Adult fleas may live in floor crevices, debris, and carpeting for years and can survive for months without feeding. In rare cases, they can carry disease, such as plague. Destroying household fleas (extermination) is an important part of treatment.
Current as of: February 27, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
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