10 of the Craziest Sicknesses Caused by Rodents

Rodents are dirty, it’s a fact that most people know. And if you don’t, there may be a chance you’ll find out. Time spent unprotected around rodents could lead to contracting any number of the diseases they carry. Remember Cinderella? Well, the most likely end of her story after marrying Prince Charming is that she died of hantavirus. Okay, okay, calm down! Before you run off screaming that your favorite fairy tale was just destroyed, let us explain. Rodents carry several deadly diseases and extra precautions need to be taken if you find you have a mice problem. Pointe Pest Control can help take care of your rodent infestation. Here are 10 of the craziest rodent caused illnesses caused by rodents: 1. Hantavirus

This is a terrifying sickness caused when humans come in contact with virus infected rodent saliva, urine or feces containing the virus. Humans breathe in the air surrounding these secretions and become ill. This virus is often deadly. 2. Bubonic Plague

This disease spread by rodents has terrified civilizations for centuries as it wipes out large portions of the population wherever it has touched. From the Roman Empire in the 56h Century where it killed more than 25 million people to the 19th century outbreak in Asia where it killed more than 60,000 people in only a few weeks. 3. Leptospirosis This illness is contracted by drinking contaminated water where infected rodents have urinated. This disease causes severe flu-like symptoms and can take weeks to months to recover from. 4. Hemorrhagic Fever Breathing in dust where infected rodent droppings are can cause this scary illness. This disease primarily resides in Europe and Asia and causes terrible flu-like symptoms as well as inflammation of the face and redness of the eyes. 5. Rat-bite Fever This disease is contracted just how it sounds, through rodent bites or scratches. Along with flu-like symptoms, you may experience joint pain and an intense rash on your hands and feet. Symptoms occur 7-21 days after a rodent encounter. 6. Tularemia This disease occurs when your skin comes in contact with an infected rodent. Symptoms can vary in severity from a minor rash to dangerous ulcers all over the body. This disease can be treated with antibiotics if caught in time. 7. Salmonellosis

Drinking water contaminated by rat feces is how this disease is passed. You can prevent this however by simply washing your hands after coming in contact with raw meats and eggs as well as cooking these items thoroughly. This disease can be deadly so extra precautions are essential. 8. South American Arenaviruses Like most rodent diseases, humans become infected with these by coming in contact with rodent infected secretions. Disinfecting procedures can minimize the risk of spreading this disease. 9. Lassa Fever Breathing in the dust infected with rodent droppings is how this disease can enter your body. Most commonly in West Africa, this disease infects around 300,000 people each year, killing 5,000 of that number. This is rather serious, but can be prevented by keeping food in rodent proof containers. 10. Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever If you know Russia’s geography well, you’ll be able to guess that this disease is found mostly in Siberia, named for the city of Omsk. Transmitted mainly through rodent bites, this disease causes painful gastrointestinal troubles, severe muscle pain and vomiting. As you can see, rodents can wreak a whole lot of havoc upon your body if you get infected by one of these diseases. Not only are they incredibly painful, but they can leave you with life threatening consequences. Keeping your home free of rodents does not only prevent damage from occurring, but also saves you from contracting one of these scary diseases. Call Pointe Pest Control today to protect what’s most important to you, your health and your loved ones.