Can Insects Spread COVID-19?

The tweet below was shared with a screenshot from a review on the possible role of houseflies and cockroaches in the mechanical transmission of COVID-19.

COVID-19 AND TRANSMISSION BY SURFACES >> HOUSEFLIES AND COCKROACHES can MECHANICALLY TRANSMIT PATHOGENS such as VIRUSES, bacteria, and parasites through their legs, body, mouth. #DigitalHealth #healthresearch #HarvardHealth #PublicHealth #HealthPromotion https://t.co/6oo2ei7ZUv pic.twitter.com/CXNivmXtp0

— PRECARMED (@PRECARMED) June 5, 2020

Background

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that cause diseases in animals and humans. They can be transmitted through the faecal-oral route, respiratory secretions, and direct contact by touching virus-contaminated surfaces, as well as the contact of hands (before washing) with the eyes, the nose, and the mouth.

The vast majority of coronaviruses are moderately pathogenic but they sometimes cause more severe conditions in humans, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

Verification

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “To date, there is no evidence or information to suggest that the COVID-19 virus transmitted through houseflies.”

It adds,” The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. You can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands. To protect yourself, keep at least 1-metre distance from others and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces. Clean your hands thoroughly and often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.”

The WHO also states that cockroaches may play the supplementary role in the spread of some diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, leprosy, plague, typhoid fever and viral diseases such as poliomyelitis, but there is still no evidence on whether or not they can spread COVID-19. Pest World also stated that insects cannot spread COVID-19, especially vector pests such as mosquitoes.

Verdict

There is no evidence that houseflies and cockroaches can spread COVID-19.