Rats aren’t just an unsettling sight, they are a serious public health risk. Not only do they cause scratching in the walls and droppings in your attic, rats are known carriers of several diseases. In this blog we’re unpacking the diseases linked to rats and how you can prevent them.
1. Hantavirus
Type: Virus (Family: Bunyaviridae)
Transmission: Inhalation of aerosolized particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
Symptoms:
Early: Fever, fatigue, muscle aches.
Later: Cough, shortness of breath, fluid in lungs (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – HPS).
Fatality Rate: Up to 38% for HPS.
Prevention: Avoid rodent infested areas, use protective equipment during cleanup.
2. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)
Type: Arenavirus
Transmission: Exposure to fresh urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials from infected rodents, especially common house mice.
Symptoms: Flu-like illness, meningitis, encephalitis.
Risky for pregnant women -can cause severe congenital disabilities.
Prevention: Avoid contact with wild rodents; proper sanitation.
3. Rat-Bite Fever
Type: Bacterial (but often confused due to its link to rat saliva)
Transmission: Rat bites or scratches, ingestion of contaminated food.
Symptoms: Fever, rash, joint pain, vomiting.
Fatal if untreated.
4. Plague
Type: Bacterial (Yersinia pestis)
Transmission: Fleas that have fed on infected rats; can be aerosolized.
Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes (bubonic), pneumonia, septicemia.
Historical Impact: Caused major pandemics.
5. Leptospirosis
Type: Bacterial (Leptospira spp.)
Transmission: Contact with water contaminated with urine from infected animals.
Symptoms: Fever, muscle pain, liver/kidney damage, jaundice.
6. Salmonellosis
Type: Bacterial (Salmonella spp.)
Transmission: Faecal-oral route, contaminated food or surfaces.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps.
7. Tularemia
Type: Bacterial (Francisella tularensis)
Transmission: Contact with infected animals, bites, inhalation.
Symptoms: Skin ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, pneumonia.
With regular inspections, good hygiene and professional pest control, like Central Pest Control, you can keep these diseases from spreading in your home and business. If you suspect rats may have found their way into your home – get in touch with our team today that puts your health first.
Dublin: (01) 200 5900 | Wicklow: (0404) 62026 | Mobile: 086 608 9650
Email: info@centralpestcontrol.ie | Web: www.centralpestcontrol.ie
📍 Shankill Business Centre, Station Road, Shankill, Dublin, D18 NIN2
Dublin: 01 2005900
Wicklow: 0404 62026
Kildare: 045 395395
This photo was AI generated.
