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A single flea chew has induced a Texas man to lose a number of limbs over the previous month.
There are greater than 2,500 totally different flea species discovered around the globe, however solely 4 are identified to severely have an effect on your well being, based on the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. Of these 2,500 flea species, solely about 300 are discovered within the U.S.
Michael Kohlhof, 35, was admitted to the hospital with what he thought was the flu, based on the household’s GoFundMe publish. Because the day progressed, he was transferred to the intensive care unit as his physique turned septic.
Kohlhof was placed on a ventilator, handled with quite a few antibiotics and entered dialysis as medical doctors spent the subsequent 24 hours making an attempt to find out a analysis.
By the tip of June 20, his household was knowledgeable they wanted to say their goodbyes. Kohlhof awoke out of his haze a few week and a half later.
Docs instructed the household the explanation he skilled sepsis to being with was as a result of Kohlhof had contracted typhus. The flea chew had additionally induced tissue dying in each his arms and toes.
Each of his arms have been amputated as much as his forearms and medical doctors are nonetheless making an attempt to evaluate what components of his toes might be saved.
As he undergoes quite a few surgical procedures to get him again on the highway to restoration, his household arrange the GoFundMe to cowl the price of medical therapy.
“Michael has energy and shall be present process an excruciating variety of surgical procedures, therapies and rehabilitation, principally to revive actions of each day residing. However he shouldn’t should be apprehensive concerning the monetary ache,” his mother J’Leene Hardaway wrote.
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What are flea borne illnesses?
Some fleas carry viruses that may trigger human illnesses just like the plague, flea-borne (murine) typhus, cat scratch illness (CSD) and flea borne parasites like tapeworms.
The typhus Kohlhof contracted got here from a flea, his household instructed KSLA12News.
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Kohlhof didn’t develop swelling or a rash the place the flea bit him, which may have probably allowed medical doctors to deal with the illness earlier, KSLA12News reported.
Murine typhus is transmitted to folks by contaminated animals like rats, cats, or opossums. The chew typically breaks the pores and skin, inflicting a wound.
Since fleas poop whereas they feed. The poop might be rubbed into the wound or every other wounds. Folks also can contract Murine typhus in the event that they breathe in contaminated flea poop or rub it of their eyes, based on the CDC.
Signs typically start inside two weeks after preliminary contact. Most typical signs embody:
Murine typhus is generally handled with an antibiotic often known as doxycycline. People who find themselves handled proper after signs start normally get well rapidly.
The illness doesn’t unfold from individual to individual. Murine typhus circumstances are extra widespread in tropical and subtropical climates. California, Texas, and Hawaii have reported circumstances to the CDC, however the illness shouldn’t be sometimes seen within the U.S.
What you are able to do to guard your self towards fleas
One of many best methods to maintain you and your loved ones protected from fleas is to maintain your pets flea-free.
Flea species within the U.S. are likely to feed on animals, however typically persons are bitten after they share area or come into contact with a flea-infested animal, based on the CDC.
Listed here are some suggestions from the CDC to maintain you protected:
Use Environmental Safety Company (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. the EPA’s useful search software may help you discover the product that most accurately fits your wants. All the time comply with product directions. Don’t use merchandise containing OLE or PMD on youngsters beneath 3 years outdated.
Cowl pores and skin with long-sleeve clothes and pants to attenuate publicity to bites. Flea bites typically happen on the decrease legs and toes. Defend these areas with lengthy socks and pants.
Deal with clothes and equipment with merchandise containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be utilized to deal with boots, clothes and tenting gear and stay protecting by means of a number of washings. Alternatively, you should purchase permethrin-treated clothes and equipment.
Don’t feed or pet stray or wild animals.
All the time put on gloves if you’re dealing with sick or lifeless animals.
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This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Docs amputated a Texas man’s arms and toes after he was bitten by a flea
A Texas man misplaced his arms and toes earlier this month after a single flea chew
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