Diseases Caused by Cockroaches: Types, Symptoms & Treatment

Not all diseases come from genetic history; some are rooted in the kitchen, pantry and are caused by cockroaches. Cockroach-borne diseases do not come to mind as easily as rodent-borne diseases, but cockroaches are a health hazard in the home environment. These insects are considered as allergen sources that trigger asthma and have the capability to carry disease-causing germs. The following sections cover every important detail about diseases caused by cockroaches. Read along!

Cockroaches are responsible for spreading a wide range of diseases. Unlike mosquitos, the spreading methods are not direct; thus, transmission can occur indirectly through consumption or contact with items with cockroaches that are contaminated with bacteria.

Following is a list of diseases caused by cockroaches,

• Campylobacteriosis
• Cholera
• Leprosy
• Dysentery
• Listeriosis
• Salmonellosis
• Gastroenteritis
• Giardia
• Typhoid Fever   

Apart from these, cockroaches can cause other health issues such as:

• Asthma
• E. coli infection
• Staphylococcus Aureus 
• Allergies
• Streptococcus

 Now, let’s move on to learn about symptoms, harmful effects, prevention methods and many more.

Depending on the disease, symptoms of cockroach borne diseases can also vary. However, some generic signs and symptoms include,

• Fever
• Muscle and joint pain
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Chesty Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

The diseases caused by cockroaches have specific harmful effects, such as bubonic plague that caused 584 reported deaths between 2010-2015 as per data published by WHO. The link between plague and cockroaches might surprise some individuals since rodents usually carry this disease. However, cockroaches can be responsible for spreading the Yersinia pestis bacterium that can cause bubonic plague.

Diseases like Streptococcus can result in mild throat infection, or in worst cases, it can lead to severe infection of blood and organs.

On the other hand, if pregnant women get affected by the disease of Listeriosis, it can sometimes result in miscarriage, premature delivery or, in worst cases, stillbirth. 

Asthma can have a severe impact on certain individuals. Cockroaches carry protein in their body which can trigger allergic reactions and asthma. Asthma can severely impact the airways of the lungs and can affect both children and adults. 

Cockroaches are a sign of poor hygiene. Hence, if individuals, especially pregnant women, live in an unhealthy home environment, it will increase the chance of developing cockroach borne diseases such as Listeriosis or Asthma and other gastronomical diseases.

To diagnose diseases caused by cockroaches, doctors can follow the methods discussed below, 

For Allergy Caused by Cockroaches

• Physical examination
• Skin prick test
• IgE blood test   

Depending on the diseases mentioned above, the diagnostic methods can include the following processes,

• Laboratory test
• Skin biopsy (for leprosy)

Treatment of cockroach caused diseases may vary depending on the type of disease. However, doctors can prescribe,

• Antibiotics (for Campylobacteriosis, leprosy, Salmonellosis etc.)
• Intravenous, oral hydration (for cholera, dysentery etc.)

For patients suffering from allergies caused by cockroaches, doctors can recommend prescription medications or over the counter medications. These include,

Prescription Medication

• Cromolyn sodium
• Desensitization treatments
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists

Over the counter Medications

• Decongestants
• Antihistamines
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays

To prevent diseases that spread due to cockroaches, individuals have to follow the tips mentioned below,

• Clean work and cooking surface on a regular basis
• Wash dishes, utensils immediately after using
• Clean food remnants after eating
• Maintain hygiene and wash hands frequently
• Seal cracks and crevices in kitchen, windows, bathrooms and other cockroach entry points
• Store food in an airtight container

The above-mentioned piece provides a complete guide on diseases caused by cockroaches. Individuals must read these details carefully, clean the kitchen and work surface properly and control cockroaches to prevent diseases spread by these insects.