Is Cockroach Bad For Your Health?
WouterA common question we hear is, “Is cockroach bad for your health?” Cockroaches carry a wide variety of germs and bacteria. Some of them are harmless, but others can be dangerous. Staphylococcus aureus, for example, is associated with roaches and can cause everything from boils to infections in the lungs. This bacterium can be spread to humans through direct contact with cockroaches.
Some cockroaches can transmit serious diseases to humans, including cholera and typhoid. Cockroaches also cause filth and contamination of food. They can also trigger allergic asthma in people. The World Health Organization lists cockroaches among the pests that pose a health risk because of the bacteria and viruses they carry. Some of these bacteria and viruses can lead to a range of everyday ailments, including polio and salmonella.
While most people aren’t at risk from cockroach bites, people with severe allergies and asthma should seek medical attention immediately. Some allergies may be preventable with medications, while asthma symptoms can be treated with an inhaler. However, if you think you may be infected with roaches, the best way to combat them is to hire a professional exterminator to get rid of the infestation as soon as possible.
Cockroaches are one of the most common indoor allergens. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the allergens emitted by cockroaches can cause asthma attacks in people with certain types of allergies. They are especially dangerous for children, who can suffer from severe asthma attacks as a result of exposure to cockroach allergens.
