Rodent Dangers - Diseases
If you think you have symptoms of one of the following diseases, you should consult with your healthcare provider.
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 deaths 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
