Can Bed Bugs Transmit Disease?
WouterAlthough bedbugs are not known to transmit disease, they can cause a lot of discomfort and broken sleep. Their feeding period is from midnight to 5 AM and can last up to 70 days. Once they have fed, they will return to their hiding places. They feed by feeding on the carbon dioxide and heat of human breath, and feed every five to 10 days.
In addition to causing discomfort, bedbug bites can also cause severe allergic reactions. In some cases, these reactions can reach a systemic level. The bites can also affect a person’s mental health. Those who live in homes where bed bugs are prevalent may experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
To find out if bed bugs can transmit disease, researchers conducted laboratory experiments at the Zoonotic Disease Research Center in Arequipa, Peru. They exposed ten mice to 20 bed bugs that were uninfected three times a day. After 30 days, nine out of 12 mice had acquired T. cruzi from the infected bugs.
People with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk for being bitten by bedbugs. The bites can lead to rashes, allergies, and even life-threatening illnesses. A bedbug infestation can even lead to anemia and iron deficiency. People with compromised immune systems are also at higher risk of infection from bedbugs, especially those who are bedridden.
