Can Cockroach Poop Make You Sick?
WouterWhile it can seem like cockroaches are harmless, they are actually intermediate hosts for a parasitic worm known as tapeworm. This worm is capable of causing a number of health problems, including diarrhea. This parasite can also infect humans. It can cause intestinal infections and even cholera, which is a serious illness.
Cockroaches carry various pathogens, bacteria, and germs that can cause illness and allergies. Their feces, urine, and other bodily fluids can spread these germs. As a result, you should be cautious when handling them. Always keep your hands and food items clean, and remember that cockroaches defecate in food, so don’t handle them.
Cockroaches are known to cause asthma and allergic reactions. Their droppings and exoskeletons may trigger asthma attacks. One study conducted by the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study found that 35 percent of urban asthmatic children had cockroach particulates on their skin. This finding has been confirmed by several other studies. Additionally, cockroaches carry bacteria in their guts. More than 3,000 different species of bacteria are present in the gut of a cockroach, including several pathogenic bacteria.
Cockroaches are omnivores, so they carry allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and even asthma. Cockroaches’ feces are spread by dust in buildings, and this airborne allergen can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Cockroaches’ saliva also contains proteins that are allergic stimuli and may trigger asthma attacks.
