The Dangers of Rat Infestations on Human Health

When there is a rat infestation, it endangers both public health and cleanliness. Mice and rats are not only scary and off-putting, but they have been shown to exacerbate asthma and other allergy diseases, spread disease, and introduce new parasites and vermin.

Read on to discover the dangers of rat infestations on human health today.

Rats and Mice Worsen the Symptoms of Asthma and Allergies

Rats and mice, like cats and dogs, can cause allergic responses in certain people. Rat urine, excrement, hair, and saliva can all behave as allergens and trigger asthma episodes. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health, workers in animal laboratories frequently suffer from “rodent allergies.”

People with rodent allergies are more common than one might believe.

Understanding Disease Transmission by Rats and Mice

The majority of people believe that diseases can only be transmitted from animal to human through bites and scratches. Rats and mice pose a greater indirect threat since they can spread disease not only to humans but also to other animals.

Disease-carrying rats pose a risk of contamination of human food, water, and housing. For example, the disease leptospirosis is transmitted through rat urine.

Urine is frequently required by mice and rats. Rats deposit their fragrance on new goods with their urine, making them smell more familiar and secure. To signify that it is safe to consume, they will urinate or defecate on it.

Rats’ “bathroom habit” is unpleasant, but the harm they pose to public health when they carry disease is even more significant.

Rats Are Recognized Disease Spreaders

Rats are known for transmitting around thirty-five diseases. The rate of disease transmission skyrockets after a rat infestation. Direct contact, contact with rodent saliva, feces, or urine, bites from mites, fleas, or ticks that have fed on rats, and inhalation of contaminated dust can all transmit disease to humans and animals. 

4 Human Health Dangers of Rat Infestations

1. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a condition similar to the flu, making it easy to dismiss early signs of infection. A fever, intense tiredness, and difficulty breathing are all signs of sickness. It spreads through sick rats’ urine and excrement.

2. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis is a hazardous sickness that, if left untreated, has the potential to cause brain damage. Some of the symptoms of this disorder include fever, nausea, body aches, meningitis, and encephalitis.

3. Rat-Bite Fever

You run the chance of obtaining a rash after being in close proximity to a rat. With Rat-Bite Fever, you should also anticipate headaches and nausea.

4. Salmonellosis

Salmonella is a food poisoning that is caused by raw pork. It is possible that it was caused by consuming rat-contaminated food or water.

Conclusion

There is no hiding the fact that rats can be extremely venomous pests, especially when an infestation is rampant and ignored. As such, at the first hint of an infestation, you must act quickly to protect your family from any potential harm. If you detect rat droppings or rats in your home or workplace, make sure that you contact the professionals right away.

Are you looking for rodent pest control in Fresno? Valora Pest Control is here to help you make a clean and safe space for yourself and your loved ones. Contact us today to learn more about our services!