What Diseases do Rodents Carry?
Rodents are mammals that are classified by their upper and lower rootless teeth. These rodents are harmful to human health and the properties in your place. They can increase their population at a higher rate; if left untreated, you will face unimaginable problems. Rodents like rats and mice are the most commonly found in residential areas, and they are the cause of many short circuits and health issues. These rodents can spread thirty diseases to humans either directly or indirectly. In this article, we will discuss, What Diseases do Rodents Carry.
What Diseases do Rodents Carry?
Rodents can carry various diseases that can lead to death if left untreated. Here are the major dangers posed by rodents,
Hantavirus
The Hantavirus is a fatal illness frequently transmitted by rats; it has no known therapy or cure. Vomiting, diarrhoea, and exhaustion are the symptoms of Hantavirus.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)
The common house mouse is the host for lymphocytic choriomeningitis. Symptoms of the first stage of LCMV include headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. The emergence of meningitis or encephalitis during the second stage makes it more neurological in nature.
Plague
You will be caught the plague when an infected rat bites you. The plague is known to have killed millions of people throughout the Middle Ages. The same bacteria, Yersinia pestis, is the cause of various kinds of plague, and this must be treated with prompt medical care.
Salmonella
If you have contact with rodent droppings while consuming contaminated food, you will be affected by Salmonella. The bacteria that cause this disease are present in the digestive tracts of rodents.
Rat Bite Fever
When an infected rodent bites a person, Rat Bite Fever develops. Rat-bite fever includes the symptoms like fever, rash, headaches, and muscle soreness.
Tularemia
Tularemia can be transferred to a person by an infected rodent like rabbits and hares, which suffer from a bacteria called Francisella tularemia. It can be a life-threatening disease if left untreated, and a heavy fever is a basic symptom.
List of Diseases Caused by Rodents Directly and Indirectly
Over 35 illnesses are distributed by various types of rats globally. By handling rats, many rodent-borne diseases may be transmitted to people directly or indirectly. Below is a list of some of them:
Diseases by Direct Transmission
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
- Hemorrhagic Fever
- Lassa Fever
- Leptospirosis
- Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis (LCM)
- Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
- Plague
- Rat-Bite Fever
- Salmonellosis
- South American Arenaviruses
- Tularemia
Diseases by Indirect Transmission
- Babesiosis
- Colorado Tick Fever
- Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
- Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis
- La Crosse Encephalitis
- Lyme Disease
- Murine Typhus
- Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
- Powassan Virus
- Scrub Typhus
- Rickettsialpox
- Relapsing Fever
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Sylvatic Typhus
- West Nile Virus
These are the list of twenty-six diseases that rodents can transmit to humans. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these diseases and their symptoms to prevent yourself from danger.
Conclusion
The above listed are the diseases carried by rodents. These diseases are life-threatening and lead to death if left untreated. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor if you get bitten by any rodents. If you cannot avoid the presence of rodents, hire a professional pest control service. The experts will conduct a proper control treatment and help you to get rid of rodent infestations.