When fleas bite infected animals such as rats, cats or opossums, fleas remain infected for life. The bite of an infected flea on a person breaks the skin and causes a wound. Fleas poop when they feed.

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Becoming a meal for a hungry flea probably isn’t on your to-do list, but flea bites can and do happen to ...

With flea bites, you can develop red, itchy bumps that lead to skin irritation and swelling. You can use hydrocortisone cream, cold packs, and antihistamines to relieve itching and swelling. In severe ...

Environment often indicates culprit, not appearance of bug bite alone. Mosquito, flea and bed bug bites remain most common across California. Clean, avoid scratching and monitor bites for infection or ...

Experts say humans, animals and vectors play a part in transmission for the disease that is typically spread by infected fleas.