Bed bug infestations can cause significant disruption in a home. If you’re the victim of a bed bug infestation, you may experience damage to your home, trouble sleeping and can suffer from financial distress.
On top of all this, there is the worry of bed bugs carrying infectious diseases. Although much evidence of bed bugs and infectious diseases is preliminary, some studies that suggest bed bugs can be more dangerous than we assume. Here is what you need to know about bed bugs and infectious diseases.
A Carrier and Transmitter
Infectious disease spread from bed bugs has been a significant cause of concern for many individuals.
Bed bugs are known to carry at least 40 potential human disease agents. Research currently states that most of these harmful disease agents cannot be passed on to humans. These agents can be anything from viruses to worms. A few of these diseases are:
- Hepatitis B
- MRSA
- HIV
- And more
As more and more research comes to the forefront concerning bed bugs and infectious diseases, we expect more solid findings concerning this topic. As for now, bed bugs are known to carry many disease agents, but this does not mean humans are going to contract this disease from bed bugs.
Chagas Disease
One of the most common diseases discussed in terms of bed bugs is Chagas disease, a chronic heart disease. Chagas disease is caused by the blood parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. If a bed bug is carrying this parasite bites you, there is a small chance the parasite can transmit Chagas disease through the broken skin.
Scratching the bite area increases the risk of contracting the disease. If there is an open wound, the disease has more of a chance to enter into your body and cause harm.
So how does a bed bug come in contact with T. cruzi? A bed bug will only carry Chagas disease if it feeds on a mammal carrying the parasite. This is the same for the other disease agents that can be carried by bed bugs.
Transmission of the disease is unlikely. Transmission will only potentially happen if the bed bug containing T. cruzi bites the host, waste is excreted into the wound, and the parasite makes its way into the host’s body.
Bed Bugs & COVID-19
COVID-19 is a huge risk to individuals across the world right now. This disease is extremely infectious, and many people are wondering if pests, such as bed bugs can transmit it.
COVID-19 is spread from droplet transmission, close contact with an infected person, or through surface transmission. In other words, you can become infected with COVID-19 through the transmission of microscopic droplets from someone who is carrying the coronavirus disease.
Bed bugs are known vectors of a variety of human diseases, meaning they carry these diseases and may potentially be able to transmit them to humans. When it comes to COVID-19, since the disease is spread through droplets in the air, there is no information to state that bed bugs can transmit coronavirus. Bed bugs potentially spread disease by biting humans, whereas coronavirus is spread through microscopic moisture droplets. Since the transmission methods are different, there is no evidence pointing to a bed bug’s ability to transmit COVID-19 to humans.
Secondary Infections from Open Wounds
A significant risk for the victims of bed bug infestations is secondary infections from open wounds. Bed bug bites tend to be itchy. They are often formed in clusters and are painless at first. As time goes on, the bites transform into itchy welts.
As the itch gets worse, an individual will run the risk of scratching the bite until a wound is open. Once this wound is open, it is vulnerable to infections if not treated properly. Itching will also be worse if an allergic reaction occurs. These infections can include complications such as lymphangitis, ecthyma, and impetigo.
To avoid secondary infections from bed bug bites, make sure to treat the wound properly. Wash and disinfect the wound once it is open. Cover the sore with a bandage to ensure no foreign bacteria enters the wound. Consult a doctor immediately if you suspect a secondary infection from an open bed bug wound.
What to Do When Suffering a Bed Bug Bite Infection?
If you or a family member suspects they are suffering an infection from a bed bug bite, it’s crucial you take action immediately. Contact your doctor immediately and explain the situation. If the infection is severe, you may need to visit the hospital.
Bed Bug Injury Law has helped clients all over the U.S. pursue legal action as a result of a bed bug infestation. If you believe your bed bug infestation was the result of landlord negligence or another situation that is no fault of your own, reach out to Bed Bug Injury Law today!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. This firm handles claims nationwide on a pre-litigation basis. Some attorneys are not licensed to practice in certain jurisdictions. Although most bed bug cases resolve without a lawsuit, should one need be filed in a jurisdiction the firm is not authorized to practice, our lawyers work with local counsel upon the execution of a new agreement.
