3 Worldwide Diseases Caused By Rodents
Rats and mice are known to spread disease to humans. Thus, a rodent infestation can lead to dire health consequences. Here are three worldwide illnesses that can originate from mice or rats:
Rat-bite Fever
Rat-bite fever is an infectious disease caused by two bacteria commonly found in rodents. The North American bacterium involved is Streptobacillus moniliformis.
Contracting the Disease
Rat-bite fever can be contracted through the skin when it is exposed to a dead mouse or rat. In addition, you can become infected by ingesting food or water that has been contaminated by rodent droppings. Even a scratch or bite from an infected rodent will spread the disease.
Symptoms
- Intense headaches
- Swollen, painful joints
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Rash on hands and feet
- Ulcer at the site of the bite
Treatment
Your doctor will typically prescribe penicillin to kill the bacteria that cause the disease. If treatment is not received before the disease progresses, death can result. Rat-bite fever can infect the heart, brain and lungs.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria carried by rodents and other animals. Risk of infection is greatest for people who participate in outdoor sports that involve lakes and rivers.
Ways of Contracting the Disease
Most people contract Leptospirosis by ingesting urine-contaminated water or food. The bacteria can also enter your system through your skin if it is exposed to soil or water that contains rodent urine. Unlike some of the other rodent-caused illnesses, Leptospirosis is often spread by outdoor rodents, such as squirrels and beavers.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Rash
- Chills
- Yellowed eyes and skin
- Abdominal discomfort
- Muscular pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Liver failure
- Kidney problems
Treatment
If the disease is diagnosed early, an oral antibiotic, such as penicillin, may be used. However, in cases of severe infection or delayed diagnosis, the antibiotic is more effective when delivered intravenously.
Lymphocytic Chlorio-meningitis (LCM)
LCM is viral illness caused by the common house mouse. It is estimated that 5 percent of American house mice carry the disease.
Ways of Contracting the Disease
The LCM virus gains access to your body when you inhale dust that contains rodent urine or feces. In addition, skin contact with a rodent carrier, their feces or their urine can spread the disease. Although rodent bites are rare, some people become infected by LCM when they are bitten by a mouse.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Loss of Appetite
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Testicular discomfort
- Meningitis (stiff neck, fever and head pain)
- Muscular pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Encephalitis (confusion, paralysis, drowsiness)
- Headache
- Rash
Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, such as ribavirin, to help disarm the offending virus. However, the effectiveness of antiviral medications against LCM in humans is not proven. Anti-inflammatory medicines may also be used to reduce inflammation resulting from the disease.
Rodents can spread serious diseases, and you or your family could be at risk. Infestations can occur anywhere in the world. Nevertheless, professional pest control options are available to eradicate a rodent infestation and protect your family from potential illness.
To learn more, contact a pest control company like Choice Pest Control
