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XX. A note on man as a host of the Indian rat flea (P. cheopis)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

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We have shown that in the laboratory the rat flea, P. cheopis, will readily bite man. When very numerous it will bite man even in the presence of its natural host. We have been able to keep this species of flea alive for more than three weeks by feeding it on man alone.

In the course of some experiments in godowns which were infested with P. cheopis alone, we have often taken fleas in considerable numbers on the legs of men who have entered the godowns for a short time.

In a building in Bombay, in which there had been a severe rat mortality, proved to be due to plague, we have taken rat fleas in large numbers on the legs of men who entered some of the rooms in this building even for a short time.

We can conclude, therefore, that the rat flea, P. cheopis, under certain circumstances, is attracted by man, and will readily bite and feed on him.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 7 , Issue 3: Extra “Plague Number” , July 1907 , pp. 472 - 476
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1907

References

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