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West Nile Virus Bites Article
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Take a Drink and Flea the Scene: The Scoop on Flea Bites
from:Flea bites are a common complaint of dog and cat lovers especially when they jump from the animal onto a human host. Fleas have three separate mouthparts. They inject saliva into their host. They will then have a blood meal and flea the scene, often time unnoticed by they unsuspecting human host. Fleas are non host specific and will jump from host to host for a blood meal.
Fleas bites are characterized by tiny red blotches which are extremely itchy. Fleas bites generally form a line of three bites which helps to distinguish a flea bite from other insect bites. Fleas are so tiny that they appear to the naked eye as tiny black specks. The larvae of the flea resemble a grain of sand. Flea larvae is sensitive to light and therefore are found embedded into the deep fibers of carpets.
Flea bites appear on areas of the human body found closest to the ground; feet, ankles and calves. Another reason why flea bites are most commonly found on the feet and ankles is that these insects bite areas that are exposed. In the summer people tend to wear sandals and other open shoes. Normally socks are not worn with these types of shoes. Fleas will invade beds and mattresses and normally people do not wear socks to bed. However these insects can jump as high as thirteen inches which is an incredible 200 times their actual size. Therefore fleas can jump off their animal hosts or from the floors and carpets of your home and can bite any exposed area of the human body.
Fleas require warm temperatures to survive. Fleas found in colder climates such as Canada and the northern United States are seasonal in nature. The flea season far these climates is from March to October. Unfortunately, flea season is year round for warmer climates. Fleas also strive in damp climates.
Flea bites itch and cause swelling. Sensitive individuals may contract hive-like rashes. Secondary infection can occur due to intense scratching. When flea bites become infected they will fill with fluid. Scratching can also break down skin cells and cause burning. Intense scratching sometimes cause the bite wound to bleed, afterwards a scab will form.
The best cure for flea bites is prevention. Make sure your dogs and cats have flea collars and treat their infestation before the fleas come after you. There are flea powders and flea baths and medication such as frontline to clear up your pet’s problem. A dehumidifier set at 50 will take enough humidity out of your home to sufficiently prevent the breeding of fleas.
Once you have a flea infestation the best way to rid the infestation is to get rid of the fleas. Make sure to clean all surfaces of your home, bedding, clothing, floors, carpets, etc. Empty vacuum cleaner bags after every use (the fleas will live inside). Spray floors, surfaces and bedding, clothing and furniture with a solution of pyrethrin.
Flea bites will normally disappear on their own, but in the case of severe reactions take one or two Benadryl capsules every six hours. You may also require a topical hydrocortisone cream and medication for open cuts and wounds.
West Nile Virus Bites News
West Nile virus detected in San Joaquin County - Tracy Press
 ksl.com | West Nile virus detected in San Joaquin County Tracy Press by TP staff Two dead birds found in Manteca last week each tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the disease's first appearance in San Joaquin County this year. The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Thursday, ... Summer 2012 looks to be bad for mosquitoes and west nile virus West Nile Appears Earlier This Year State Resumes West Nile Virus Testing as Mosquitos Return |
West Nile virus: reducing habitat will help you avoid mosquito bites | State ... - Bonney Lake and Sumner Courier-Herald
 The Express Times - LehighValleyLive.com | West Nile virus: reducing habitat will help you avoid mosquito bites | State ... Bonney Lake and Sumner Courier-Herald It's also mosquito season, which increases the risk for West Nile virus and the need to avoid mosquito bites. The state Department of Health has resumed tracking the virus in our state with the online dead bird reporting system. West Nile Virus surveillance begins for the 2012 season Early West Nile virus detection prompts call to reduce mosquito-breeding areas Birds infected with West Nile virus |
How to Avoid Itches and Illnesses from Bug Bites; Tips from University ... - Virtual-Strategy Magazine
How to Avoid Itches and Illnesses from Bug Bites; Tips from University ... Virtual-Strategy Magazine In the US, mosquitoes are mainly nuisances leaving bites that itch, turn red and swell. But in recent years they have become carriers of West Nile Virus, a disease that usually has mild or even no symptoms but can cause death if it reaches the brain. |
Officials seek public health with West Nile survey - McCook Daily Gazette
Officials seek public health with West Nile survey McCook Daily Gazette "West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. In turn, the mosquito can pass the virus on to humans," said Nancy Miller, Public Health Nurse. "Use rubber gloves when picking ... |
Pool of water attracting mosquitoes, raising West Nile concerns - The Desert Sun
Pool of water attracting mosquitoes, raising West Nile concerns The Desert Sun Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District officials worry the channel may serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus. / Colin Atagi/The Desert Sun Palm Springs resident Gilbert Melby looks over his backyard wall at a ... |