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A single flea chew has triggered a Texas man to lose a number of limbs over the previous month.
There are greater than 2,500 completely different flea species discovered all over the world, however solely 4 are identified to severely have an effect on your well being, in accordance with 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, in accordance with the household’s GoFundMe publish. Because the day progressed, he was transferred to the intensive care unit as his physique grew to become septic.
Kohlhof was placed on a ventilator, handled with a lot of antibiotics and entered dialysis as docs spent the following 24 hours attempting to find out a prognosis.
By the tip of June 20, his household was knowledgeable they wanted to say their goodbyes. Kohlhof awakened out of his haze a few week and a half later.
Docs informed the household the rationale he skilled sepsis to being with was as a result of Kohlhof had contracted typhus. The flea chew had additionally triggered tissue loss of life in each his fingers and ft.
Each of his fingers have been amputated as much as his forearms and docs are nonetheless attempting to evaluate what elements of his ft will be saved.
As he undergoes a lot of surgical procedures to get him again on the street to restoration, his household arrange the GoFundMe to cowl the price of medical remedy.
“Michael has energy and will probably be present process an excruciating variety of surgical procedures, therapies and rehabilitation, largely to revive actions of every day residing. However he shouldn’t should be anxious in regards to 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 informed KSLA12News.
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Kohlhof didn’t develop swelling or a rash the place the flea bit him, which may have doubtlessly allowed docs to deal with the illness earlier, KSLA12News reported.
Murine typhus is transmitted to folks by contaminated animals like rats, cats, or opossums. The chew usually breaks the pores and skin, inflicting a wound.
Since fleas poop whereas they feed. The poop will be rubbed into the wound or some other wounds. Individuals can even contract Murine typhus in the event that they breathe in contaminated flea poop or rub it of their eyes, in accordance with the CDC.
Signs usually start inside two weeks after preliminary contact. Most typical signs embrace:
Murine typhus is generally handled with an antibiotic often called doxycycline. People who find themselves handled proper after signs start often 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 usually 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 individuals are bitten after they share area or come into contact with a flea-infested animal, in accordance with the CDC.
Listed below 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 instrument may help you discover the product that most closely fits your wants. At all times observe product directions. Don’t use merchandise containing OLE or PMD on youngsters beneath 3 years previous.
Cowl pores and skin with long-sleeve clothes and pants to attenuate publicity to bites. Flea bites usually happen on the decrease legs and ft. Shield 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 via a number of washings. Alternatively, you should buy permethrin-treated clothes and equipment.
Don’t feed or pet stray or wild animals.
At all times 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 ft after he was bitten by a flea