Mice and rats are among the most common animals in our homes, but unfortunately, they can also spread diseases. These pests not only spread the disease directly to humans but can also contaminate food sources, leading to further infections. In this blog post, we will explore three of the most concerning diseases that mice and rats can spread: salmonella, hantavirus, and leptospirosis.
To protect your family from these diseases, it’s essential to understand what causes them and how they’re spread. Let’s start by looking at salmonella—the most commonly spread disease from rodents.
Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterial infection linked with mice and rat infestations for years. The bacteria exist naturally in the digestive tract of rodents, which means that any contact with rodent feces can transmit the bacteria to humans or other animals. Exposure to salmonella often leads to several days of diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting—one of the more unpleasant illnesses caused by a rodent infestation.
Hantavirus
Another severe illness caused by rodent infestations is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). This virus is hazardous because it is spread through contact with mouse droppings or breathing in dust contaminated by mouse droppings infected with hantavirus particles. HPS usually starts as a flu-like illness with coughing and difficulty living; if left untreated, it can be fatal.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a third common disease caused by rodent infestations. This bacterial infection spreads when an animal comes into contact with water contaminated by rat urine—an all too easy scenario given the number of puddles and wet areas found around rodent nests. Leptospirosis usually presents as a severe flu-like illness with fever, nausea, muscle aches, headaches, jaundice (yellowing skin), and rashes, all possible symptoms.
If you think you may have been exposed to any of these contagious illnesses due to a rodent infestation at home or work, you must seek medical help before the condition worsens or spreads further. In addition, the only way to protect against future infection is to remove rodents from your property and take steps to prevent them from returning. This includes sealing up holes, installing screens over vents and windows, cleaning up food sources and clutter where mice can hide, and using traps or poison baits to eliminate existing infestations,
Professional pest control services like A&M Pest Control can assist in eradicating your rodent problem quickly and safely so you can avoid any contact with these harmful diseases. If you have a rodent infestation in your home, contact A & M Pest Control today for assistance.
