DISEASES SPREAD BY RODENTS: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY

SUMMARY
Rodents are known carriers of many serious diseases that can affect both people and pets. Understanding the risks and learning how to prevent exposure is essential to keeping your family safe and healthy at home.

FEATURES

• Hantavirus: Contracted by breathing in dust contaminated with rodent droppings or urine.

• Leptospirosis: Spread through water or soil contaminated with infected rodent urine.

• Salmonella: Carried by rodents and spread to food or surfaces they come in contact with.

• Rat-Bite Fever: Transmitted through rodent bites or scratches, and even contact with waste.

• LCMV (Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus): Spread by house mice, especially dangerous for pregnant women.

• Plague: Although rare today, still possible via fleas from infected rodents.

DESCRIPTION
Rodents like mice and rats may seem small and harmless, but they are capable of spreading over 35 different diseases to humans and pets. Many of these diseases can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated early. The most common transmission methods include direct contact with rodent waste, inhaling contaminated air particles, consuming food or water contaminated by rodents, or being bitten or scratched.

Hantavirus is one of the most serious diseases linked to rodents, typically contracted by inhaling airborne particles from rodent droppings or nesting material. It causes severe respiratory issues and can be fatal without prompt medical attention. Leptospirosis, another common disease, is spread through contaminated water or soil and can lead to liver or kidney damage.

Rodents often contaminate food prep areas and pantries, leading to Salmonella outbreaks in the home. Proper food storage and cleanliness are crucial in preventing this type of infection. In more direct cases, Rat-Bite Fever can occur from rodent bites or even just touching items contaminated by them.

One lesser-known but dangerous disease is LCMV, often spread by common house mice. It may cause flu-like symptoms but can be especially harmful to pregnant women and unborn babies. And although the Plague is mostly associated with historical pandemics, it still exists in certain areas and can be spread by fleas carried by infected rodents.

To protect your family, practice good sanitation, seal entry points into your home, avoid leaving food out, and clean up rodent waste carefully while wearing gloves and a mask. Regular inspections and professional pest control services can also play a vital role in disease prevention.

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