Flea infestation leaves Maia residents at breaking point

Residents of a street in the small town of Águas Santas, Maia, in northern Portugal, say they have been driven to desperation after a flea infestation spread to at least 10 homes, forcing some families to leave their properties and seek refuge with relatives.

“We’re finding them everywhere – on our clothes, in our shoes. We can’t take it anymore,” resident Tânia Teixeira told Correio da Manhã.

She said the problem first became apparent around a month ago, when neighbours believed the fleas were coming from stray animals. However, residents now believe the infestation originated in the home of an elderly woman who lives alone.

“I even found fleas on my three-year-old son while he was sleeping. He was bitten, and so was my husband,” she said.

Another resident, Letícia Carvalho, told CM she had temporarily moved out after the infestation spread to her home.

“I’ve cleaned my washing machine five times and it’s still full of these insects. I locked up the house and went to stay with relatives,” she said.

According to Maia Municipal Council, a multidisciplinary team has already inspected the area and believes the source of the infestation is a private property, with the case now being monitored by the public health authorities.

Municipal social services have also begun supporting the elderly resident while working with the relevant authorities to determine what legal measures may be necessary.

According to Correio da Manhã, the local health delegate visited the property but the woman refused any intervention. A report has since been sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will decide whether further action can be taken.

Residents also claimed the health delegate left the property covered in fleas and told them each household would need to arrange the fumigation of their own homes.

The municipality said it will carry out a fumigation of the street and a nearby school as part of efforts to contain the infestation.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.