Can Cockroach Bites Kill You?
WouterAlthough cockroaches do not kill humans, they can bite if they are startled. They do not bite because they are aggressive, but rather out of fear or starvation. They will nip at your skin and fingers when they are hungry. This can result in serious allergic reactions, especially if you are prone to asthma.
It is important to understand the causes of allergic reactions to cockroach bites and what to do to avoid them. Cockroaches bites can cause an allergic reaction, triggering the body’s white blood cells to attack allergens on the cockroach. These allergens are found in the body, feces, and saliva of the cockroach, and contact with these allergens can trigger an allergic reaction.
Cockroaches can transmit many diseases. Among these is cholera, an infection caused by the bacteria vibrio cholerae. Cholera is typically transmitted by contaminated water or food, but can also be transmitted through cockroach bites. Cholera symptoms include acute diarrhea and vomiting. Left untreated, the disease can lead to severe dehydration. In addition to cholera, cockroaches can carry Salmonella typhi, which can cause typhoid fever. If you get a typhoid fever infection, it can be treated by a doctor within three to five days.
If you do get a cockroach bite, you should seek medical attention right away. The bite will likely go away in a week, but if it becomes infected, the wound will swell with pus and become a sickly green color. You should not scratch the affected area, as this can cause infection and a skin infection. Infected areas should be cleaned with antibacterial soap or hydrogen peroxide and treated by a doctor.
