What Diseases Do Rats & Mice Carry?
One of the biggest concerns of a rodent infestation is the fact that rats and mice are infamous carriers—and transmitters—of dangerous diseases.
Rodent-borne diseases can be spread either directly (exposure to infected droppings, urine, or bites) or indirectly (transmitted through infected ticks, mites, or fleas).
There are over 35 diseases spread by rats and mice worldwide. Some of the most common ones include:
- Hantavirus
- Salmonellosis
- Rat-bite fever
- Leptospirosis
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV)
- Plague
- Colorado tick fever
- Lyme disease
Dangerous Diseases Spread by Rats & Mice
Out of the many diseases carried by rodents, there are four in particular that have the most cause for concern here in the Florida area and nationwide:
- Hantavirus. Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches in pains. In serious cases or when it is not treated, it can lead to shortness of breath and kidney failure.
- Salmonella. When rats and mice walk over surfaces, they are tracking dirt and bacteria across other food surfaces. Salmonella, commonly referred to as food poisoning, can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and worse.
- Rat-bite fever: RBF can be passed through bites and scratches from an infected rodent, alive or dead.
- Bubonic plague: This infamous disease, which is mostly transmitted by domestic rats, is carried by fleas that have been feeding on infected rats before spreading it to humans.
Learn more about the common types of rodents found in Florida with our rodent identification guide.
Common Diseases Spread by Rats
Rats are notorious carriers of the infectious diseases highlighted above – each posing serious health risks.
The most common disease is salmonella, commonly called food poisoning, which is often spread as rats track bacteria across surfaces and food supplies. Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a direct risk from bites or scratches by infected rats, whether alive or dead.
Lastly, the bubonic plague, though rare in modern times, remains a historical example of the devastation caused by rat-borne diseases through flea vectors.
Some other lesser common-known diseases spread by rats are:
Leptospirosis: Spread through contact with rat urine, leptospirosis can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and muscle pain. In severe cases, it can lead to liver or kidney failure and even meningitis.
Tularemia: A rare but serious disease transmitted by direct contact with infected rats or their fleas, tularemia can cause high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory issues.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV): LCMV is typically spread by the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe neurological damage in extreme cases.
If you find rats in your home, it’s important to eliminate them quickly. Our team at Florida Pest Control can help manage your rodent problem with ease and effectiveness. Contact us today.
How Do Rodents Contaminate Food?
These diseases can be spread to people directly or indirectly. When spread directly, a person has typically come into contact with rat or mouse droppings, saliva, or urine.
This is especially dangerous for the food industry who must take extra precautions to prevent rodents from contaminating surfaces. Studies suggest that at least 20 percent of the world’s food is eaten or contaminated by rodents every year! Due to this, Salmonella is one of the most common diseases people get after contact with rodents.
Signs of Disease From Rats or Mice
Whether transmitted directly through human contact or indirectly through fleas and ticks, these diseases can cause mild to serious symptoms.
Some of the most concerning symptoms to keep an eye out for include shortness of breath, muscle pains, fever, headache, ulcers, dizziness, and abdominal problems (vomiting or nausea). If you suspect you’ve come into contact with rodents and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to always consult a medical professional.
How Many Diseases Do Rats Carry?
Rats are known to carry and spread a wide variety of diseases that can pose serious health risks to humans and pets.
These diseases are spread through different means, such as contact with rat urine, droppings, saliva, or bites. In fact, rats are responsible for spreading several highly contagious diseases, some of which can be fatal if not treated properly.
Understanding how these diseases are transmitted and the steps to take to reduce your risk is crucial.
Transmission Methods
Rats primarily spread diseases through direct and indirect contact. When rats urinate or defecate in food storage areas or around the home, they contaminate surfaces, which can spread bacteria and viruses.
Additionally, fleas and ticks that infest rats can transmit diseases like the bubonic plague to humans. Sometimes, inhaling dust particles contaminated by rat droppings or urine can lead to respiratory illnesses like hantavirus.
While rodent bites are typically rare, they can happen. Learn more about what happens (and what to do) if a rat or mouse bites you.
What Diseases Do Mice Carry?
Like rats, mice are carriers of numerous diseases that can be harmful to humans. While many diseases they carry are similar to those spread by rats, some are unique to mice. Mice spread diseases through their urine, saliva, and feces.
Additionally, they can transmit pathogens indirectly by contaminating food and surfaces in homes and businesses.
Some of the more common diseases carried by mice include salmonella, hantavirus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV).
Learn more about the dangers mice can pose.
Diseases Caused by Rat Droppings
Rat droppings are a significant disease transmission source, especially if handled improperly. The bacteria and viruses in rat feces can be inhaled, leading to respiratory infections or severe gastrointestinal issues.
Risks of Handling Contaminated Surfaces
Handling or contacting surfaces contaminated by rat droppings poses considerable health risks. These surfaces may contain harmful pathogens like salmonella and leptospirosis, which can be ingested through tainted food or water.
Even cleaning up rat droppings without proper precautions can expose you to dangerous diseases.
If you suspect your home is infested with rats or mice, contact our team at Florida Pest Control immediately to ensure your safety.
Signs of Rodent Contamination in Your Home
To avoid potential contamination, it’s important to look for signs of rat activity. Wild rodents leave behind droppings, urine stains, and nests in hidden corners. You may also notice gnaw marks on food packaging or furniture.
Identifying the specific type of rodent infesting your property can also be challenging. Learn the differences between mouse and rat infestations with our article: How to tell if you have mice or rats.
Symptoms of Rodent-Borne Diseases
Rodent-borne diseases can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on the specific illness and the individual’s health.
Common symptoms often mirror other viral and bacterial infections, so it’s important to stay vigilant after potential exposure.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of rodent-borne diseases vary but commonly include fever, chills, muscle aches, coughing, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In some cases, you may develop more severe symptoms like shortness of breath or bleeding.
Always pay attention to any unusual symptoms following exposure to rodents. Read more about common rodent-borne illnesses and symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience any of the common symptoms after encountering rats or mice, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications from rodent-borne diseases.
Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent fever, or severe abdominal pain should not be ignored. NPS recommends contacting a medical professional if you become ill following rodent exposure.
How to Protect Yourself from Rodent-Borne Diseases
Taking proactive measures in your home or business is essential to reducing the risk of contracting diseases from rats and mice. Prevention and safe cleaning habits are key.
Preventing Rat and Mouse Infestations
The first step in protecting yourself from rodent-borne diseases is preventing rodent infestations. Ensure that your home or business is sealed by repairing any gaps or holes where rats or mice could enter.
Also, keep food stored in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills promptly, and maintain a clean environment to deter rodents.
Safe Cleaning and Disposal Methods
When cleaning up after rats or mice, taking precautions is essential.
Wear gloves and a mask to avoid direct contact with droppings, urine, and other contaminated surfaces. Use disinfectants to thoroughly clean areas where rodents have been active, and dispose of contaminated materials in sealed plastic bags.
If you encounter large amounts of droppings or nests, it’s recommended that you consult with pest control professionals for safe and effective removal. Reach out to our experts at Florida Pest Control experts to help eliminate your rodent problem today.
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