Recognized as the archetypical parasite, fleas are tiny flightless insects that survive on hosts and travel by jumping.  Known mainly for pestering dogs, historically fleas were responsible for the major outbreaks of bubonic plague in the Mediterranean killing sizable fractions of the world’s population.
There are many species of fleas, some of which are specific to certain hosts, while others are more generalists. Â Fleas primarily cause itching, with bites resembling mosquito bites, and can lead to dermatitis. Â The main health hazard fleas pose is spreading bacterial diseases, which vary around the world.
