Reports on Human Infestation with Cat Flea and Dog Flea (Siphonaptera : Pulicidae) in Okayama, Japan
Eighteen cases of human dermatitis by cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche, 1835) Stiles and Collins, 1930) and dog flea (Ct. canis (Curtis, 1826) Stiles and Collins, 1930) infestation in Okayama City and its environs in 1982 and 1983 are reported. Age distribution of the patients ranged from 8 to 57 year-old, and the highest incidence of infestation was found between the age of 13 to 28. The most cases were found in summer (June to September), and patients were mostly limited in females. Skin examination revealed the presence of itching eruptions on the upper and lower limbs, trunk, as well as face and neck. The patients were known to have contact with cats and dogs at home, and characteristic fleas were found in body hair of cats and dogs, and in and out of the house. Fifteen patients were diagnosed as the dermatitis by cat flea infestation, and 3 were by dog flea infestation. All of the patients were treated with double application of Eurax ointment and Cerestamin, and the skin lesions completely cured within one to two weeks.
