Diseases spread by rats and rodents 

Protect yourself from diseases spread by rats

The thought of having wild rats or rodents in your home is enough to terrify anyone, let alone thinking of the deadly diseases they can transmit. Rats and rodents carry several diseases that can lead to serious illness and even death. 

Hantavirus

The hantavirus is a life-threatening disease with no current treatment, cure or vaccine. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Salmonella

Some rodents are carriers of salmonella as the bacteria lies in their digestive tract. Making contact with any rodent waste has the potential to contract salmonella.

Rat Bite Fever

Rat Bite Fever is spread through contact, a bite or a scratch. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, headaches, vomiting and muscle pain.

Plague

The plague is a disease that affects humans and other mammals by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. You are at risk of contracting the plague after a bite from a rodent or even handling an animal infected with the plague. Although the plague is a serious illness, it can be treated with antibiotics and the survival rate increases if a patient seeks medical attention as soon as possible.

Tularemia

This is a disease caused by the bacterium called Francisella tularensis. Large numbers of rodents often die during an outbreak including rabbits. Humans are infected through several methods such as tick bites, skin contact with infected animals and ingestion of contaminated water.

How can you contract one of these diseases spread by rats and rodents?

• Exposure to and handling of infected rodent waste including urine, faeces, saliva and nesting material.
• Bite from infected rodent.
• Handling of infected rodent, certain viruses are transferred skin to skin.

To avoid contamination, affected areas will have to be sprayed with disinfectant before sweeping to avoid any viruses becoming airborne. This is just one crucial tip that only a pest control specialist will be aware of. Contact Kempston Cleaning today to discuss how we can assist you with a rat infestation at your commercial and industrial property.