Tungiasis, infestation with sand fleas

Itching rash appearing after a flea bite. In Europe bird fleas dominate and are widely spread. Their bites increase in early spring, when the cottages warm up, while the old bird nests are still empty. Bird fleas are found in bird nests, where it is dry, for example, nests tucked in ventilation holes, under the roof. Fleas live with birds, but when the birds fly away, the flea turns into a cocoon and only wakes up in early spring when it warms up. Then they get on other birds, humans, cats, or dogs. They can enter indoors through windows, with domestic animals, through ventilation holes. Fleas can survive at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. When bitten by a flea, the bite site should be monitored for redness and swelling.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology