(HealthDay News) -- Fleas may prefer to latch onto dogs and cats, but the blood-sucking insects can jump to people, especially after pets have left the home permanently.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine mentions these possible symptoms of flea infestation in people:

• Breaking out in hives or a skin rash.
• Mild to severe itching, starting in one place and then spreading.
• Itching or rash in the folds of the skin, including beneath the breasts or on the groin area.
• Swelling that occurs only near an injury or sore.