Studies show that flies and cockroaches are unlikely to spread COVID-19. This is an analysis of Texas researchers.
Insects are known to spread many infectious diseases among humans, so assessing the role of insects in the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was a top priority in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizes entomologist Gabriel Hamer, co-author of the study. The results of the work of the entire research group are published in Journal of Medical Entomology.
The team’s previous work has shown that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to dogs and cats occurs in households with confirmed positive human cases of COVID-19. Researchers have found that animals such as cats and dogs are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and can spread the infectious virus. However, there was no information on the potential transmission of coronavirus by insects, especially through the mechanical transfer of infected mouthparts.
How were flies tested for coronavirus transmission?
Previous experimental studies by other investigators have shown that both infectious virus and viral RNA have been detected in house flies following exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the laboratory. However, the new field study found no evidence that these insects received SARS-CoV-2 RNA in natural household conditions.
As part of the investigation, Hamer and his team processed the contents of 133 insect traps in 40 homes, each with at least one confirmed human case of COVID-19. Between June and September 2020, sticky traps collected over 1,345 insects representing 11 different species of flies and cockroaches. All insects tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.
What does the coronavirus study say?
The study shows evidence that biting and non-biting flies and cockroaches are unlikely to spread the virus through mechanical transmission, nor would they be useful as a surveillance tool to track the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. “This study provides more evidence to help narrow down the transmission pathways of SARS-CoV-2,” Hamer said.
Source: Wprost
