Epidemiologic aspects of lea infestations in the urban area of Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, 2007-2010

Objective: to study lea infestations in domestic animals and households in the urban area of Uberlandia-MG and their epidemiological aspects. Methods: cross-sectional study of secondary data obtained from Zoonotic Disease Control Centre records on lea infestation domiciliary visits between 2007 and 2010. Results: 99.7% of the 1,284 specimens found in 305 households were Ctenocephalides felis felis. Infestations occurred mainly in animals (57.1%), followed by mixed infestations in humans and animals (33.1%). Animal kennels in areas close to the households were the most infested sites (83.3%) predominantly in unpaved places (62.0%). Increased infestation occurred in August and September, this being the driest period of the year. Conclusion: the data indicate that C. felis infestations are related to poor hygienic conditions, presence of outbuildings and also type of soil in the environment.