Several human diseases are associated with rat infestations. Salmonellosis is a serious intestinal disorder that can be transmitted to people who ingest food contaminated by salmonella bacteria in rat urine or feces. Murine typhus, leptospirosis, and trichinosis are other rat-transmitted diseases. The tropical rat mite, an external parasite of rats, causes severe itching and skin irritation in people. Rats have occasionally been known to bite sleeping people; bites can result in an infection known as rat bite fever. Plague bacteria can be transmitted from rats to people through the bite of rat fleas.
Hantavirus
New concerns accompany rodents that invade homes and businesses. A disease HPS (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome) has been present for a long time but hadn't been identified until recently. HPS begins as a flu-like illness. People may have a fever, sore muscles, headaches, nausea, and have shortness-of-breath. As the disease progresses, fluid builds up in the lungs making breathing difficult. About 60-70% of people with HPS die. Fortunately, the disease is very rare.
Hantavirus is normally found in rats, mice, voles, chipmunks and other rodents. The rodents do not seem to be affected by it. People get infected when they breathe in the virus that contaminates rodent urine, droppings and saliva. It may also be possible to catch the virus by eating or drinking contaminated products or by being bitten by an infected rodent. The disease does not seem to spread from person to person.
Hantavirus Precautions
- Prevent rodent entry into buildings.
- If rodents get inside, eliminate them as soon as possible.
- Use traps so that rodent bodies can be removed (when using poisons, rodents may die in inaccessible areas).
- Never touch dead rodents or used traps (wear rubber gloves).
- Dispose of dead rodents by placing in plastic bag and wrapping them in newspaper and placing in secured garbage can.
- Disinfect used traps before reuse.
Do not enter dusty crawl spaces where rodents have been active unless wearing at least an appropriate respirator, rubber gloves, and coveralls.
For additional information on rodents and diseases, view the following websites:
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