Millions of houses in the USA have serious pest problems, particularly deal with rats. They can infest their houses; destroy things, furniture, and even cables. In the long run, they are harmful to the house structure as they also eat woods. Is it only that? No, it will not stop there. We don’t want to scare you, but please keep reading to get the truth.
The rats are bad news for food and house. But, there is a bigger threat they carry in their body. Yes, they transmit hazardous diseases and can spread them to humans. If you catch rats which bring one of those diseases, you might get ill.
We have listed some threatening diseases caused by rats and their effect on a human. We divide it into four discussions, diseases caused by rats, diseases caused by rat droppings, rat dropping diseases symptoms and some more diseases speared by rats.
Okay. Let’s take a deeper look.
Diseases Caused by Rats
Rat-Bite Fever (RBF). It begins in pests’ mouth. We may find them easily in North America, Asia, and Europe. The name of the bacteria causes RBF either Streptobacillus-moniliformis or Spirillum minus. We can get an infection if rats bite us, or, accidentally eat some food containing the bacteria. You need to take care of rat-bite fever properly. If you don’t, your life could be in danger. It may cause abscesses in the internal organs and meningitis.
Leptospirosis. We can get leptospirosis if our mucous membranes contact the water or soil contaminated with the infected animal urine. We can treat it using antibiotics as soon as the symptoms pop up.
Salmonellosis. It is more popular as salmonella. Rats’ urine and droppings are the sources of this disease. Luckily, in most cases, salmonella is not that dangerous. Nevertheless, human body conditions are various and fluctuate. If your immune systems are weak, then you need to be more precarious. The combination of some bacteria may be lethal.
Also Read: Things That Your Teeth Reveal About Your Health
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Infected rats spread the virus through the urine or feces inhalation and saliva. The risk is increased when you are near them. HPS can be life-threatening. The main suspects are the white-footed deer mouse. The bad news is, there is no specific treatment for this disease. You may have to get into the ventilator.
Tularemia. Rats carry and spread this disease through the eyes, skin, lungs, mouth, and throat. We can happily tell you that some antibiotics will be able to cure tularemia, which takes around 10 up to 21 days.
Plague. To be honest, rats are not totally “guilty”. They get the plague if infested bugs bite them. Then, the rats transmit the disease to humans. Most cases occur when we inhale bacteria-infected droppings. We can treat it using antibiotics.
Diseases Caused by Rat Droppings
The NPMA published an article explaining the dangers of rodents to our house, friends, and family. We discussed the health risk less than property destruction and unsanitary conditions effect.
In case you are new, rat droppings are dangerous. They may spread bacteria, infested food, and cause allergic symptoms. In specific, the dropping contains the following diseases and viruses:
- Hantavirus.
- Bubonic plague (Plague).
- Salmonellosis
- Rat-Bite Fever.
We have explained them in detail previously. Therefore we make it brief to save your time.
Rat Dropping Diseases Symptoms
RBF. RBF symptoms include fever, muscle pain, rash, and vomiting. They usually come 3 up to 10 days after contact. RBF symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and rash and normally occur 7 up to 21 days after contact.
Leptospirosis. Symptoms of leptospirosis include muscle pain, fever, and vomiting. They normally come 5 up to 14 days after infection.
Salmonellosis. People who have this illness may experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain.
Hantavirus. Early symptoms of Hantavirus include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. If the disease progressed, people may have difficulty to breathe, cough and tightness around the chest.
Tularemia. The symptoms of the disease depend on how the bacteria infect our body. But, the final result is a fever. It is essential for you to let the doctor know if you have contact with rats or others. The main reason is the difficulty to diagnose it in humans properly. The symptoms are almost similar to more common diseases.
Plague. Symptoms of the plague include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and weakness.
Some More Diseases Speared by Rats
These are the list of diseases transmitted by rats directly:
- South American Arenaviruses. It has different names in some countries. They are Argentine hemorrhagic fever, Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, Sabiá-associated hemorrhagic fever, Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever, Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome.
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
- Lassa Fever
- Leptospirosis
- Lymphocytic Chorio-Meningitis (LCM)
- Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
- Plague
- Rat-Bite Fever
- Salmonellosis
- Tularemia Rodent(s)
- Tularemia
Also Read: 5 Amazing Ways To Get Healthier & Happier
Methods to Thwart Rats and Mice
Considering the risk, you have to stop rats and mice infesting your property quickly. You may watch some tutorial videos or get some helpful guides from the pest control expert. Pest Breaker is one of the top pest control related blog where you will also get some most helpful resource on rat and mice control. Where you will also get the Professional Rat Trap, Poison and Repellent information, and reviews. Meanwhile, we have several valuable tips for you.
- You have to wear gloves when you work near the rats or mice. For ultimate protection, throw your gloves away after every usage.
- Wash your hands immediately on the suspected area where rats or mice may have urinated on.
- You also need a mask when you go to where rats have been there.
- Wherever and whenever you find droppings, clean it up and disinfect the surfaces where they may have run.
- If you think the rats infect your food, throw them and disinfect the container.
- If rats bite you, clean it up straight away, disinfect the wounds and go for medical treatment as soon as possible.
Last Words
Never take a risk with you and your family’s health. As we said earlier, rats can carry and transmit some threatening diseases. If you see some rats, even just a few, do not delay your action. Please call a professional pest extermination service without more ado. A reputable and professional team will eliminate the pest in your house in a secure and effective way.
