 What do the Black Plague, Cholera Outbreak, and smallpox have in common? Aside from claiming the lives of millions of people all over the world, these diseases can be traced back to one source: pests. Pests and humans have long been co-existing with each other, and there is no secret that pests carry with them germs and bacteria that are potentially harmful to humans. Let’s take a look at some of the most common diseases caused by pests. 1. Salmonella and e.coli Rats and cockroaches can be carriers of both salmonella and e.coli bacteria which can contaminate the food that we eat. Once food or water contaminated with salmonella and e.coli is ingested, it results in diarrhea, fever, cramps, and vomiting. When left untreated, the bacteria can be deadly to humans. 2. Lyme Disease Lyme disease originates from tick bites and can be very harmful to humans. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a skin rash that expands further from the original site tick bite. The rash can neither be painful nor itchy, but those infected often develop fever, headache, and feeling of fatigue. Severe cases can lead to loss of muscle functions, neck stiffness, heart palpitations, and severe persistent headaches. 3. Cholera Cockroaches and flies can spread the bacteria Vibrio Cholerae that causes cholera by contaminating food and water. Cholera is a highly infectious disease that affects the small intestine, causing patients to suffer from diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. 4. Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a deadly bacterial infection caused by rat urine. This can be transmitted when a person has a break or lesion in the skin and comes in contact with water or soil that contains rat urine. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and jaundice, or yellowing of the skin. Severe cases can lead to kidney and heart failures. 5. Favus Favus is a highly contagious disease originating from domestic fowls and birds. Lesions appear in the scalp, resembling the shape of a honeycomb. These lesions expand quickly and would eventually crust over time, and have a foul odor. In addition, favus is considered chronic, with patients suffering from the disease for several years. 6. Typhus Fleas and mites are the common carriers of rickettsial bacteria which causes typhus. It is transmitted from bites of fleas and mites, and scratching the bite can further spread the infection. Headache and fever are often the first symptoms of typhus, along with a rash. The fever can also be accompanied by chills and body malaise. 7. Dysentery Dysentery is an infection that causes the intestines and the colon to be inflamed. Cockroaches and flies are mainly the culprits of this disease. These pests carry with them bacteria (amoebiasis and shigellosis) that can contaminate food, water, even surfaces. Infection can occur once a person has oral contact with contaminated food or water. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain. 8. Asthma Asthma is a respiratory disease caused by inflamed air sacs in the lungs, making breathing difficult and physical activities cumbersome. Asthma can be triggered by the presence of allergens such as bugs, dust mites, cockroaches, and rodents. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can weaken a person’s lungs and immune system. Diseases caused by pests are largely preventable. Practicing good hygiene habits and cleaning the surroundings are just some of the practical ways of preventing ourselves from these diseases. Getting rid of pests in our own homes is also a way to keep our family safe. Professional pest control services can help you keep your home free from pests that are potentially hazardous to you and your family’s health. Call us and we’ll help you with your pest infestation problems today. 
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