What diseases do rats carry in St. Louis?
Rats and mice bring serious health risks to your home or business, carrying diseases and bacteria that can trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma. Their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces and air, posing respiratory dangers, while consuming contaminated food or being in infested areas increases the risk of illness. In Missouri, these pests are notorious for spreading harmful diseases.
Which Rodents Carry Diseases?
Rodents like rats and mice are hazardous to both people and pets, spreading diseases through direct contact, such as bites or scratches, and indirect contamination via urine and feces. Their parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, can also transmit illnesses. Below are some common rodent species to watch for in Missouri:
- Norway Rat: These rodents are dangerous disease carriers, spreading illnesses like leptospirosis and tularemia through their droppings and urine. They also transmit rat-bite fever through bites and scratches, presenting serious health concerns.
- House Mouse: This small rodent spreads diseases, including salmonellosis, by contaminating food and surfaces with its waste. It is also a vector for Hantavirus, which can infect humans through direct contact or inhalation of contaminated particles.
- Deer Mouse: A significant carrier of hantavirus, the deer mouse spreads the disease via its droppings, urine, and saliva. It also transmits leptospirosis, posing health risks in regions where it is prevalent.
- Roof Rat: These agile rodents transmit diseases like leptospirosis and salmonellosis through their waste and bites, contaminating food and surfaces and posing serious risks to human health.
- Meadow Vole: The meadow vole poses health risks by transmitting diseases such as tularemia and leptospirosis through their urine, droppings, and saliva. Additionally, their nesting areas and burrows may harbor parasites like ticks and fleas, which can spread further illnesses to humans and pets.
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Rodent-Borne Illnesses to Watch Out For
Rodent-borne diseases may not always be life-threatening, but they can result in serious health concerns if addressed too late. In Missouri, the more severe illnesses rodents transmit include:
- Leptospirosis: This bacterial disease is transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected rodents.
- Salmonellosis: Rodent droppings can contaminate food and surfaces, leading to the spread of this illness, often contracted by eating tainted food.
- Murine Typhus: Fleas that feed on infected rodents, particularly rats, are the primary carriers of this disease.
- Tularemia: Also called rabbit fever, this illness can be contracted through direct contact with infected rodents, such as meadow voles.
- Rat-bite Fever: Spread through bites, scratches, or contact with contaminated rodent traps, this disease can pose a serious risk without proper precautions.
- Hantavirus: Primarily carried by deer mice, this potentially fatal respiratory illness starts with flu-like symptoms and requires urgent medical care.
- Toxoplasmosis: While often associated with cats, this disease can also spread through rodents carrying the parasite, causing mild flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals.
Symptoms of Rodent-Borne Illness
Suspecting a rodent-borne illness requires immediate medical care, especially if there’s an active infestation or you’ve handled a rodent recently. Early symptoms to watch for include:
- Cough or Respiratory Issues: Especially for diseases like hantavirus.
- Fever: One of the earliest symptoms is a noticeable rise in body temperature.
- Chills: Shivering or feeling cold despite a normal or high temperature.
- Muscle Aches: General muscle pain or discomfort.
- Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Headache: Persistent or severe headaches.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling queasy or vomiting.
- Rash: Some diseases may cause skin rashes or lesions.
Should you experience these symptoms, promptly consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Take Care of Rodent Infestations ASAP with Bug Out
Rodent sightings on your property require quick intervention to preserve your health and home. These pests can cause significant damage and pose serious health risks if left unchecked. Our experts provide prompt removal services and thoroughly inspect for and seal entry points, ensuring fast and reliable rat and mouse control.
Contact Bug Out today for professional assistance in protecting your property against rodents!