Rat diseases that affect humans

There are some diseases that are caused by rats, and the following are the most common ones.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: this is a deadly disease and it can be transmitted through saliva, droppings and urine of rats. Humans may get this disease if they breathe in the aerosolized virus. The HPS was recognized first in the year 1993, and it has now been identified around the entire US. Even if it is rare, HPS can be deadly. Rat control is the first step to keeping away this deadly disease.

Murine Typhus: Murine Typhus is caused by the R. typhi infection and it can be transmitted to humans through rat fleas. The rat fleas may be found throughout the entire year in the humid tropical environments, but they are most common in the temperate regions, mostly in the warm summer. Travelers who are visiting rat infested homes or buildings mostly in river and harbor environments can be exposed to murine typhus

Rat bite fever: rat bite fever is a systemic bacterial illness that is caused by streptobacillus moniliformis, and it may be acquired through a scratch or bite from a rodent or from ingestion of water or food that has been contaminated by rat feces.

Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium is a disease that is typhoid like and it is common with mice. It is not too severe and it is usually not fatal. The disease is characterized by vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhea. However, it can turn fatal in people who have compromised immunity like young and elderly people.

Leptospirosis: this is a bacterial disease that affects animals and humans. With humans, it may cause a number of symptoms, but sometimes people can be infected without any symptoms. The symptoms may include vomiting, muscle aches, chills, severe headache and high fever.

Go back to the How to Get Rid of Rats page or email us if you have any other questions about Rat diseases that affect humans