What is the disease transmitted by fleas called? - briefly
The flea‑borne illness is plague, an infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
What is the disease transmitted by fleas called? - in detail
The flea‑borne illness is called plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Transmission occurs when an infected flea bites a host, injecting the pathogen into the skin. Rodents serve as primary reservoirs; fleas acquire the bacteria while feeding on infected animals and subsequently infect humans.
Three clinical forms are recognized:
- Bubonic plague – painful, swollen lymph nodes (buboes) appear near the bite site; fever and chills accompany the swelling.
- Septicemic plague – bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to fever, chills, hypotension, and disseminated intravascular coagulation; skin may develop purpura.
- Pneumonic plague – infection spreads to the lungs, producing cough, hemoptysis, and rapid respiratory failure; this form can be transmitted person‑to‑person via respiratory droplets.
Diagnosis relies on laboratory confirmation: culture of Y. pestis from blood, sputum, or lymph node aspirate; polymerase chain reaction assays; or serologic testing for specific antibodies. Prompt identification is critical because untreated plague carries a mortality rate of up to 60 % for the pneumonic form.
First‑line therapy consists of streptomycin or gentamicin administered intravenously; alternative agents include doxycycline and ciprofloxacin. Treatment duration typically spans 7–10 days, with adjustments based on disease severity and patient response.
Prevention strategies focus on vector control and reservoir management: reducing rodent populations, applying insecticides to limit flea infestations, and using protective clothing and insect repellents when entering endemic areas. Post‑exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline is recommended for individuals with known contact with infected fleas or animals.
Historical records show plague caused several pandemics, most notably the Black Death in the 14th century, which decimated a substantial portion of Europe’s population. Modern surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and effective antibiotics have reduced the disease’s impact, yet sporadic outbreaks persist in regions of Africa, Asia, and the United States, underscoring the need for continued public‑health vigilance.