Do house dust mites transmit any germs or diseases?
The house dust mite does not transmit any germs or diseases, but they can cause an allergic reaction to some people. Allergic asthma, rhinitis (hay fever) and some types of eczema can be the result of this sensitivity. Up to 85% of asthmatics are allergic to the house dust mite in the UK. House dust mites are a main source of the problem. Dung pellets, if disturbed by activity, are pushed into the air. If this happens in an unventilated room, they can remain suspended in the still air to be breathed in by unsuspecting people. Powerful enzymes in the droppings that are designed to break down scraps of food may also break down the protective lining of the lungs, nasal passages or lining of the eyes. This will only happen to certain sensitive people described by doctors as atopic.
