Rats are known carriers of a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to humans. These diseases can range from mild illnesses to life-threatening conditions and can be spread through contact with infected rat faeces, urine, saliva, or bites. It is important to understand the risks associated with rat-borne diseases and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.
The Most Famous Rat-Spread Disease
One of the most well-known diseases associated with rats is the bubonic plague, also known as the “Black Death”. Most people think of this diseases as a somewhat archaic and ancient disease that impacted the UK in 1665, and therefore no longer something to worry about. However, it is still present and harmful if not treated correctly. The bubonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is spread through the bite of an infected flea that has been feeding on an infected rat. The disease can cause fever, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes and, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Other Types of Serious Rat-Associated Diseases
Another serious disease associated with rats is hantavirus. Hantavirus is spread through contact with infected rat urine, droppings, saliva, or through inhalation of contaminated dust. The disease can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and abdominal pain, and can lead to severe respiratory distress and death.
Rats can also carry and spread salmonella, a type of food poisoning caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica. Salmonella can be spread through contact with infected rat faeces or urine, or by consuming food that has been contaminated with rat droppings. The disease can cause symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea, and can be serious or even fatal in some cases.
What Else Can Rats Spread?
In addition to these serious diseases, rats can also carry and spread a variety of other illnesses, including leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM).
Leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s disease, is a bacterial infection spread through contact with infected rat urine, and can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and jaundice. Unfortunately, people in the UK sometimes still even die from Weil’s disease.
Rat-bite fever is spread through bites or scratches from infected rats, and can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and skin rash. LCM is a viral infection spread through contact with infected rat droppings or urine, and can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches.
How To Prevent and Avoid Rat-Borne Diseases
It is important to take precautions to prevent exposure to the serious diseases and illnesses that can be inflicted by rats. This includes avoiding contact with rats and their droppings, thoroughly washing your hands after handling anything that may have been contaminated, and avoiding consuming food or drinks that may have been contaminated with rat faeces or urine.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to a rat-borne disease, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious health problems and improve your chances of a full recovery.
Summary
Rats can carry and spread a variety of diseases that can be serious or even life-threatening. To protect yourself and others, it is important to take precautions to prevent exposure to rat-borne diseases and seek medical attention if you suspect that you have been exposed.
The risks that come from feral rats are why infestations need to be taken seriously and dealt with the utmost care and professionalism. Otherwise, yourself or others are at risk of contracting a disease and falling ill. If a rat infestation takes place, an expert pest control company, such as ourselves, should be contacted immediately. If you have any questions, please get in touch today and we’ll be happy to help.
