25/11/2022
ARE COCKROACHES DANGEROUS?
Cockroaches are considered to be dangerous because of the harmful effects that they have on humans. Here are the reasons why cockroaches are dangerous:
1. Allergens – cockroaches have allergens that cause allergic reactions in some people. They can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems in allergic people.
2. Diseases – cockroaches are considered to be some of the most dangerous pests because they carry disease-causing germs. Cockroaches normally pass through or live in filthy areas like sewage systems. They eat and stay in areas full of germs like dustbins or trash heaps. Consequently, they carry infectious agents and bacteria that can cause diseases in humans. They cause diseases like Typhoid fever, Cholera, Dysentery, Salmonella, Gastroenteritis, and many others. Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera is an extremely virulent disease that affects both children and adults and can kill within hours. In Kenya, some cholera outbreaks have been attributed to cockroaches.
3. Food and water contamination – Cockroaches contaminate food and water. If cockroaches walk over food or feed on it, such food must be thrown away, causing financial losses. Consumption of contaminated food may lead to diseases like gastroenteritis and salmonella. Gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that has symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It is typically spread through contaminated food or water.
To be safe, ensure to control cockroaches as soon as possible.