The last thing you want is for your home to be overrun with mice and other rodents. They can chew through your walls, leave droppings, and take over your food supply. Not only are they a pesky nuisance, they also can bring multiple diseases that can impact you and your family. These diseases can be spread to humans through handling of live or dead rodents, contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva, as well as rodent bites.
So let's take a look at the common diseases mice and rodents can carry, how to prevent these critters from entering your home, and the surefire ways to eliminate them if they ever become an infestation. If you believe you've contracted one of the following diseases, make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) spreads by breathing in the contaminated excreta from fresh rodent droppings or urine. As one of the most common diseases passed from rodents, Hantavirus pulmonary Syndrome is an influenza-like illness. You'll likely experience headache, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and abdominal pain in the first stages. More severe symptoms include coughing and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, this disease has a death rate of 38%, making it one of the deadliest diseases carried by mice and other rodents.
But with due diligence, there are ways to avoid contracting HPS. First, steer clear of rodent droppings if possible. If you notice droppings that need to be cleaned up, always wear a mask and gloves. Once you have your protective gear on, take a wet cloth to wet the area. This will prevent harmful bacteria from being thrown into the air. Using a different damp cloth and disinfectant, pick up the droppings without leaving any behind. Once you dispose of this equipment, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
Rat-bite fever is a disease caused by rodent bites or scratches. However, it's possible to contract it by ingesting contaminated water or food. The typical causative organism varies by geographic region:
Similar to HPS, early symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches. Painful rashes and swollen joints have also been reported with rat-bite fever. Rat-bite fever is treatable with proper medication. Fortunately, this disease is rare unless you regularly handle rats, live in an infested home, or have a pet rodent.
If you believe you've developed rat-bite fever, your doctor will likely prescribe you an antibio
Leptospirosis is a two-phase bacterial disease that comes with various symptoms, which take a few weeks to show. In fact, some people may not experience symptoms at all.
This disease is contracted through skin abrasions and the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and eyes. The most common way to be infected is through exposure to contaminated water from infected animals.
After being exposed to Leptospirosis, you may experience two phases of the illness. The first phase comes with a variety of symptoms, including headache, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea, or rash. In the second phase, symptoms tend to worsen. Kidney or liver failure may develop, which could have lasting effects.
Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics.
