Do Cockroaches Carry Diseases?
WouterAmong the many concerns surrounding cockroaches is the possibility that they carry diseases. Allergy, asthma, and skin rashes are some of the common health problems that can be caused by cockroaches. Children are particularly vulnerable to cockroach allergies. They can even cause allergic reactions and lead to gastrointestinal illnesses. In addition, the allergens from cockroach feces and debris can trigger asthma attacks in people with cockroach allergen sensitivity.
Foodborne illnesses caused by cockroaches include Salmonella and Campylobacteriosis. The former is caused by a bacteria found in human and animal feces and can be passed on to people through contaminated food. The latter is particularly dangerous because it can cause serious gastrointestinal infections, such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Cockroaches are known to carry Yersinia pestis, a bacterium responsible for bubonic plague. If you think you’ve been infected with this disease, you need to seek medical attention immediately. The best treatment for bubonic plague is antibiotics, and it is best to start taking them 24 hours after you’ve been exposed. Historically, bubonic plague caused the death of 50 million people. In 2013 alone, WHO reported 783 cases and 126 deaths from the disease.
Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, there are those that can cause serious food poisoning. However, symptoms of salmonellosis will last only a few days and will usually require medical attention. Cockroaches are also suspected of carrying leprosy, a bacterium that causes a long incubation period. When it reaches the human body, the disease can lead to a painful and lifelong condition called leprosy.
