Consuming live roaches might increase risks of gastrointestinal illness and allergies, according to Bill Mays, Lake County health Department's community health director.

"I don't think it's particularly healthy for a child to rely on one friend," said Jay Jacobs, the camp's director. "If something goes awry, it can be devastating."

The writer, a medical geneticist, is director of clinical services and community outreach, Program for Jewish genetic Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.