The house fly is not only a nuisance, but it is also a major source of many diseases that affect humans, and in this article, we will list some details about some of the diseases transmitted by house flies, read the following lines.

House fly damage

The Housefly with the scientific name “Musca domestica” is a very annoying intrusive domestic insect that can affect one’s mood by its silliness, and may even cause many diseases as well.

However, it is only one type of fly that may enter the house, carrying with it many disease-causing germs that it carries in its legs or body, or when it stands on food where it secretes a certain substance to liquefy it before eating it, as the flies cannot eat solid food, and the fly carries what More than a hundred germs of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, according to one source.

There are two types of flies that enter homes in general, the first type is the large flies (which includes many species of flies, including the famous house flies) and this type feeds on dung, dead animal bodies, and spoiled food, so you find it spread in piles of garbage and unclean areas, The second type is small flies that feed on drain water, rotting fruits and vegetables, and decaying plant parts.

Where is the house fly?

Flies live in areas where humans live, almost in all parts of the world, where they are found in all rural and urban areas, and in tropical and temperate climates, and this insect is found in different areas of human activity such as homes, hospitals, shops, livestock farms, poultry farms and other areas.

How do flies transmit diseases?

The fly originates from the ground up in a stinky environment, as the flies lay eggs on dung or dead animal bodies, etc., then the egg hatches and the larva emerges from it, which turns into a fly in its natural life cycle, and therefore it feeds on these dirt full of germs, and it may feed on wet and organic foods as well. Therefore, the harm of flies in contaminated food or drink ingested by humans.

The most common diseases transmitted by house flies

As we explained to you in a previous paragraph, there are diseases caused by flies largely, as the fly carries many germs that cause dozens of diseases to humans, and the following are the most important of the diseases transmitted by house flies:

1. Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is one of the common diseases in developing countries that is spread through contaminated food or drink, or transmitted from person to person, and it is a bacterial infection of a bacterium called salmonella, and its symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a cold, but may worsen if not treated, and a doctor must be contacted Immediately when symptoms of typhoid complications appear.

2. Shigellosis

This disease is caused by the Shigella bacteria, and this disease is characterized by diarrhea (sometimes accompanied by blood), fever, and stomach cramps, and symptoms usually begin a day or two after exposure, and last for a week, and some patients can recover without antibiotics. Vitality, however, should be taken in some other patients who have severe symptoms or are immunocompromised.

3. Dysentery

There are two types of dysentery infection; Dysentery caused by a bacterial infection, and amoebic dysentery caused by an amoeba (a parasite), which is an inflammation of the intestines accompanied by diarrhea mixed with mucus and blood, and fever, and its treatment varies according to the type that causes it.

4. Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea to the point of dehydration, and if not treated promptly, it can be life-threatening. The disease spreads in crowded, unclean areas.

5. Anthrax

Anthrax infection is a severe infection caused by a certain type of bacteria called Bacillus anthracis, which is found in the soil, and affects animals. .

6. E-coli infection

This type of bacteria lives naturally in the intestines of humans and some animals, and is divided into many strains, most of which are harmless to humans, but this does not negate the existence of harmful strains that cause severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea.

How to prevent flies

To prevent diseases transmitted by house flies, follow these steps:

• Good sanitation by getting rid of contaminated food tightly wrapped, in closed trash cans, and disposing of it by placing it in its designated containers.
• Make sure to close the outlets that flies sneak through, such as closing the doors, installing a special wire on the windows, and closing the openings in the walls where insects and rodents may infiltrate through.
• Use non-chemical traps such as ultraviolet light traps.
• Use chemical traps scattered in shops, but be sure to spray away from sources of food and drink to avoid exposure to poisoning.
• Reduce your consumption of light sources that attract flies.