7 Cockroach-Related Diseases To Watch Out For

Cockroach-related diseases are not exactly common, but they do exist. These pests feed on a wide range of food like rotting garbage that can harbor disease-causing bacteria. This is why they are believed to spread various diseases to humans by contaminating food and water.

The growth of cockroaches in your home should be stopped immediately. This is because the lack of effective cockroach control increases the risks of getting sick. To keep your family safe, here is a list of diseases caused by cockroaches that you should keep an eye for.

E.coli Infections

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria is usually found in the human gut. But cockroaches who touched the feces of an infected person can likely transmit it to other people. This bacterium can trigger severe food poisoning. Its symptoms include abdominal cramping and watery diarrhea.

Salmonellosis

Another disease that has food poisoning symptoms is Salmonellosis. You can get infected with Salmonella bacterium if you ingest contaminated food. Cockroaches get the bacteria from filthy food matters that they feed or crawled on.

Cholera

Cholera is a common infection worldwide. Cockroaches exposed to the Vibrio cholerae bacterium can spread it through tainting food and water with their saliva and feces. Although the majority of Cholera patients do not show symptoms, a small number can develop severe dehydration from acute watery diarrhea.

Typhoid Fever

Salmonella typhi bacterium causes highly infectious disease, Typhoid Fever. It is spread by cockroaches that consumed human feces infected with bacteria. Immediate treatment is a must when you show any of the symptoms. Leaving it untreated can lead to serious complications.

Listeriosis

Consuming food and water tainted by Listeria monocytogenes bacterium can cause Listeriosis. It is a severe infection that mainly affects people with weak immune systems. Symptoms include diarrhea, muscle aches, and fever. But in worst cases, stiff neck, headaches, convulsions, and loss of balance are manifested.

Leprosy

Along with other pests, cockroaches are believed to spread to leprosy- causing bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. They are not as infectious as other bacteria but, they can leave permanent damage to the nerves, eyes, and skin. Deformities and disfigurement are possible if treatment is not done.

Plague

Not only rodents can carry the Yersinia pestis bacterium that triggers plague. But cockroaches are also thought to do that too. Infection from the bacteria needs urgent treatment to avoid serious consequences. This is because the bubonic plague is deadly. It has already killed an estimated 50 million people in the 14th century.

If you spot any of these cockroach sickness symptoms, get treated with antibiotics within 24 hours.

• High fever
• Chills
• Painful, swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle cramps

How do cockroach-related diseases are spread?

There are different ways you can catch a disease from cockroaches. Mostly, touching things tainted by infected cockroaches can transmit pathogens. Ingesting contaminated food and water and inhaling air contaminated with protein matters from cockroaches can also spread the diseases.

Read also: How To Make Your DIY Disinfectant Spray

How to protect your home from the risk of cockroach diseases?

You can get rid of cockroaches from your home in several ways. These include using homemade pest repellents and insecticides. However, there should be pest extermination and disinfection. This is to avoid contracting an infection from the fecal remains of the cockroaches.

To ensure that you will not be at risk for cockroach-related diseases, hire a company licensed for NEA pest control and disinfection service in Singapore. Set an appointment with Greencare!