Rodent infestation can pose a danger to your health. During the winter season, these pests will look for shelter, warmth, and food, all of which can be found in your home. If you see a rat in your house, it would be a good time to call for professional rodent control. These pests will cause damage and leave droppings, leading to serious health problems. Here are the diseases they can bring:
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
HPS is one of the most dangerous diseases caused by a rodent infestation as it has a high mortality rate. It can cause flu-like symptoms, and the virus can also be fatal for people who experience respiratory problems.
There are different ways on how one might contract HPS. One method is unknowingly inhaling this airborne virus from aerosolized particles of rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Another way is accidentally eating food contaminated with mouse excretions, so check your food before preparing and eating.
Rat-Bite Fever (RBF)
Rat-Bite Fever can cause fever, headache, vomiting, joint pain, and skin rashes. As the name implies, you can get infected when bitten by a rat. Other ways include scratching, skin contact, and improper handling of dead rodents. To add, check if the food you’re eating is already partially consumed by rodents because ingesting them can cause rat-bite fever as well.
Salmonellosis
Salmonella causes a painful intestinal disorder that leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and even arthritis in some cases. These symptoms happen when you ingest food that has been contaminated by a rodent’s fecal matter.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis can cause headache, fever, chills, vomiting, rash, diarrhea, abdominal and muscle pain. After a while, this virus can lead to more serious problems like liver or kidney failure, meningitis, or even death. You can get this virus through food, water, and soil contaminated with rodent excretions. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream through broken skin or contact with the eyes, mouth, and nose.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) symptoms include mild fever, lack of appetite, headache, vomiting, and muscle ache. The illness worsens over time, and people infected with LCMV might develop meningitis and encephalitis. LCMV is not fatal, but your nervous system might have temporary or permanent damage.
You might get this virus by breathing in the dust from dried-up mouse droppings or urine. You can also get infected through mouse bites and direct contact with broken skin.
Get Rid of Rodents in Your Home!
Rodents can spread disease through direct contact or food contamination. If you see mice or rats in your home, call Arrow Services Inc. for rodent control. Our rat exterminator will remove mice and rats, protecting you and your family from the health risks rodents bring.