The Health Risks of Rodent Infestation

Finding mice or rats in your home or business will often warrant an immediate call to a pest control professional. While pet rodents may seem cute and cuddly, a feral rodent infestation can expose you and others to a wide variety of health risks that can be transmitted both directly and indirectly. Here are some of the most concerning diseases that are carried by rodents.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Rodent infestation carries the risk of exposure to Hantavirus, a respiratory disease that can sometimes be fatal. Person-to-Person transmission of Hantavirus is incredibly rare and there have been no cases reported in the United States. However, anyone can contract the disease if exposed to the virus through mouse feces or direct contact.

Salmonellosis

Rodents are capable of carrying a group of bacteria in their intestinal tract called Salmonella. In most cases, transmission occurs as a person consumes a contaminated source of food or drink that a mouse or rat has come into contact with or laid droppings on. Extreme cases may require hospitalization to treat the condition.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis is a common viral infectious disease in pet rodents but also carries risk during rodent infestations. When a person comes into contact with infected urine, feces or saliva that is transmitted by a bite, it can take up to 2 weeks for illness to arise. If not treated, temporary or permanent may occur.

Tularemia

Dead mice and rats don’t just make your home or business smell bad, they could potentially be a vector for Tularemia. Once contracted by a person, this bacterium will produce a high fever and swelling lymph nodes or cause ulcers. If symptoms begin to arise, treatment is recommended because Tularemia can be fatal.