But when being outdoors literally bugs you, your health can suffer. Those little no-see-ums and critters like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes can spread illnesses and diseases. While these annoying and potentially infectious bugs should not restrict your enjoyment of the outdoors, you should be aware of the potential for health problems they can cause. Knowledge is power – prevent and protect yourself from illness by educating yourself.
How Insects Can Affect Your Health
There are many different species of insects that can make you sick, and the existence of various types of insects varies by geographic region. However, some types of insects are commonly associated with the spread of disease.
- You may come into contact with fleas when outdoors or if a pet brings them from the outdoors into your home. Health concerns associated with fleas include parasitic dermatitis, an allergic reaction of the skin when exposed to flea bites, which can be uncomfortable. Severe cases of parasitic dermatitis can cause infection and hair loss in inflamed, itchy areas of the skin. Antibiotics may be used to treat infections related to parasitic dermatitis, and antihistamines can curb itching. Fleas also spread Bartonella, or "cat scratch fever." This illness can cause fever, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms, which are usually treated with antibiotics. Rickettsiae ailments are also linked to flea bites. This family of illnesses includes typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, flea-borne spotted fever and tick bite fever. Finally, tapeworms can be spread by fleas and are a parasite of the digestive tract. The potential to become very ill is a reality with these ailments, and hospitalization can be required. Treatment and medication is dependent on the type of illness and the severity of the symptoms.