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Rodent Transmitted Diseases

RODENT DANGERS

RODENTS AS DISEASE VEHICLES

In the past century alone, more than 10 million people have died from rodent-borne diseases. Although rodents are not major threats to our everyday health, it is justified to be concerned over the potential for rodents to transmit diseases. By their very nature and design, rodents make excellent “vehicles” for harboring and rapidly transporting diseases.

Diseases

Lyme Disease | Salmonella | RBF | Hantavirus | Typhus | Plague | Pox

Lyme Disease

Description: Skin lesions, fever, headaches, arthralgias

Carrier: All rodents; most commonly deer mice

Mode of Transmission: Rodent tick bite

Comments: This is the most common and widespread tick-borne disease in the U.S.

Salmonella (Food Poisoning)

Description: Causes intestinal disorders

Carrier: Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission: Rodent feces contamination

Comments: The World Health Organization estimates that 20% of food is destroyed or contaminated every year by rodents

Rat-Bite Fever

Description: Relapsing fever that may last several months

Carrier: Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission: Bacteria in mouth and nose of rodent, transmitted via bite or scratch

Comments: Occurs worldwide, but is most common in Asia

Hantavirus

Description: Flu-like symptoms, renal failure, severe respiratory distress

Carrier: Various rodents; primarily deer mice

Mode of Transmission: In feces, urine, body fluids

Comments: HV outbreak in 1994 resulted in more than 50 death in 17 states. At least 7 different strains of HV have been identified

Typhus

Description: Fever, headache, rash, respiratory attack

Carrier: Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission: Rat flea bite

Comments: Port cities or riverine environments, often serve as havens for rats harboring fleas.

Plague

Description: Attacks circulatory & respiratory systems

Carrier: Various rodents

Mode of Transmission: Rodent flea bite or by handling an infected animal

Comments: Millions of people in Europe died from plague in the Middle Ages; Plague still occurs in many parts of the world

Pox (Rickettsial)

Description: Lesion followed by fever, headache, rash

Carrier: House Mouse

Mode of Transmission: Bite of a mite which lives on mice

Comments: An outbreak of this disease occurred in 1946 in housing developments in New York City which were overrun with mite-infested mice