Rodents such as rats and mice are more than just pests. Apart from causing damage to property, they can pose serious health risks to humans. These small animals often live close to us, which increases the chance of diseases spreading. Understanding these health risks is important for keeping ourselves and our families safe. In this blog post, we will go through the top 5 health risks that rodents carry.
1. Hantavirus
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a serious illness spread by rodents, especially deer mice. It can cause severe respiratory issues and even be fatal in some cases.
How is it Transmitted?
You can get hantavirus by coming into contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. It can also spread through airborne particles when cleaning areas where rodents have been.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hantavirus include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. As the disease progresses, it can lead to coughing and shortness of breath.
Prevention
To prevent hantavirus, avoid coming in contact with rodent droppings and nests. Wear gloves and masks when cleaning areas where rodents have been. Ensure your home is sealed to prevent rodent entry.
2. Salmonella
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Rodents can carry this bacteria and spread it through their droppings.
How is it Transmitted?
You can get salmonella by eating food or drinking water contaminated with rodent droppings. This bacteria can also spread through contact with surfaces where rodents have been.
Symptoms
Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. These symptoms can be severe and lead to dehydration, especially in young children and older adults.
Prevention
Keep your living areas clean and store food in sealed containers. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling food and before eating. Regularly clean surfaces to reduce the risk of contamination.
Leptospirosis
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. It is more common in warmer climates and can lead to serious health issues.
How is it Transmitted?
Rodents shed the bacteria in their urine, which can contaminate water and soil. Humans can get leptospirosis through contact with contaminated water or soil, especially through cuts and abrasions.
Symptoms
Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage, liver failure, or even death.
Prevention
Avoid swimming in or drinking water that might be contaminated. Wear protective clothing if you are working in water or soil that could be infected. Keep your environment clean and free of rodent infestations.
4. Plague
What is the Plague?
The plague is a severe illness caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. It has a historical reputation but is still present in some areas today.
How is it Transmitted?
Rodents, particularly rats, can carry fleas that are infected with the plague bacteria. Humans can get the plague through flea bites or direct contact with an infected animal.
Symptoms
Symptoms include fever, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. If not treated promptly with antibiotics, it can be fatal.
Prevention
Control rodent populations around your home and wear insect repellent to avoid flea bites. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have been exposed. Keep your pets free of fleas as they can also carry the infection.
5. Rat-Bite Fever
What is Rat-Bite Fever?
Rat-bite fever is a bacterial infection that humans can get from rodents. It is not very common but can be quite serious.
How is it Transmitted?
The disease is transmitted through bites or scratches from rodents or by handling rodents and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Symptoms
Symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pain. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications like infections in the heart, brain, or lungs.
Prevention
Avoid handling rodents, and if you do, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Seek medical attention if you are bitten or scratched by a rodent. Ensure your home is rodent-free to minimize risk.
Protect Your Health: Effective Strategies to Combat Rodent-Borne Diseases
Not only are rodents an annoyance, but they also provide significant health hazards. These illnesses, which range from leptospirosis, plague, and rat-bite fever to hantavirus and salmonella, can seriously harm human health. Knowing the risks can help us take steps to prevent rodent infestations and protect our well-being. Always maintain cleanliness, secure food sources, and seek professional pest control if you suspect a rodent problem. Stay safe and healthy by being aware of these health risks rodents carry. Taking these preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of rodent-borne diseases and keep your family safe.
Struggling with rodents? Don’t let them compromise your health! Contact Dr. Termites for premier rodent control in Ventura. Our expert team ensures your space is safe and rodent-free. Act now to protect your family from the dangers of rodent-borne diseases. Call us today for a healthier tomorrow!
