Most Common Diseases Spread by Rodents & How to Control Them
Whether you live in a bustling urban area or somewhere less populated in Dubai, rodents are an inescapable nuisance. Homeowners and businesses have no option but to rely on rodent control in Dubai when these pests cause destruction by chewing their way through things. But that is not the worst part of having rats and mice in your home; these pests are known to be responsible for the transmission of over 35 diseases worldwide.
Rodents do not discriminate, which is why amping up defense against rats and mice, watching out for the signs, and tackling an infestation early on should be everyone’s concern. This guide will delve into the common diseases spread by rodents and the ways to prevent them.
What Are the Main Diseases Spread by Rodents?
Since rats and mice are drawn to your home or business because of food, protecting yourself against rodent-associated diseases becomes all the more crucial.
Rodents do not commonly interact with humans and are more likely to infect food and the surfaces that we use. Before we discuss expert pest control in Dubai to prevent and eliminate these pests, learn about the common diseases they carry and transmit. It is important to know that rats and mice can transfer these through their saliva, urine, droppings, and even fur.
Hantavirus
While there are many diseases transmitted by rodents, hantavirus gets the spotlight because it is one of the untreatable conditions. It usually spreads to humans when they come in contact with the bodily fluids and excrements of rats. The only way to manage this disease is via supportive care, treating the symptoms and letting the virus resolve by healing the body. Early intervention is crucial to prevent Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is a rare and severe pulmonary infection.
Leptospirosis
One of the other common rodent-borne diseases is Leptospirosis, the symptoms of which generally include high fever and headache, muscle aches, red eyes, and fever. You are most likely to get infected with the Leptospirosis bacteria if you come in contact with any surface with rat urine. Meningitis or kidney/liver failure are likely if Leptospirosis goes untreated, but the good news is that antibiotics are effective against it.
LCV (Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus)
While most diseases on this list are rat-borne, what diseases can mice spread? LCV or Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus makes the top of the list. The early signs include vomiting, headaches, and muscle aches, and serious cases can lead to nerve damage, meningitis, and encephalitis.
Salmonella
Salmonella food poisoning is one of the common zoonotic infections, primarily associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, and dairy products. However, the germs that cause salmonella contamination are also found in rats due to their ventures into trash for food.
Humans can get this disease from rats due to food, bedding, or contact with other surfaces that are contaminated by the fecal matter of the vermin.
Bubonic Plague
Once one of the most dangerous diseases spread by rats that killed millions, now treatable by antibiotics, the plague is not something to be taken lightly. The plague bacteria Yersinia pestis is transmitted between small mammals via flea bites, and humans come in contact due to handling an infected animal or if bitten any an infected flea. Sudden high fever, weakness, and buboes (painful swollen lymph nodes) are common signs of the plague.
