Rats and mice are a significant health hazard. These small rodents can carry and transmit diseases that have serious consequences for humans. You don't have to come into direct contact with them to get sick; their droppings, urine, and even saliva can spread infections. Read on and discover the four most common diseases carried by rats and mice.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is one of the most serious diseases linked to rodents, such as deer mice. The disease is primarily transmitted when humans inhale dust that contains dried rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Early symptoms of HPS resemble those of the flu, with fatigue, fever, and muscle aches being common. Left untreated, it can progress to severe respiratory issues, making it potentially fatal. The virus doesn't spread from person to person, but its high mortality rate is a major concern.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a common infection caused by the Salmonella bacteria, which rodents often spread through their feces. This disease can occur when humans eat or drink contaminated food or water. Symptoms usually develop within hours or days and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe complications. Proper food storage and cleanliness are vital to reducing the risk of exposure.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) is a viral infection that's primarily spread by the common house mouse. People can catch the virus through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials. Initial symptoms can include fever, headache, and muscle aches, but in some cases, it leads to more serious complications, such as meningitis or encephalitis. Pregnant women should be especially cautious, as infection can harm the developing fetus. Thorough hygiene practices and avoiding contact with rodents are essential to lowering your risk.
Rat-Bite Fever
Rat-Bite Fever (RBF) is a bacterial illness caused by bites, scratches, or even contact with rodents or food contaminated by them. Depending on the exact strain, symptoms can appear anywhere from three days to three weeks after exposure. Fever, rash, and joint pain are common signs of RBF, and it can lead to serious complications like organ infection if untreated. Washing any rat bite or scratch thoroughly and seeking medical attention are critical. Calling in professional rodent control services at the first sign of rats in your home is crucial for preventing RBF infections.
The common diseases carried by rats and mice can affect your health in significant ways. Protecting your home from infestations is key to avoiding these potential illnesses. By keeping your living space clean and addressing rodent issues promptly, you can greatly reduce your risk. Stay vigilant, and you'll create a healthier, safer environment for yourself and your loved ones.
Bio: Casey is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
A global journey through fireworks, festivals, rituals, and traditions that welcome the arrival of 2026.
As 2025 draws to a close, cities and cultures across the world are preparing to welcome 2026 with fireworks,
festivals, ancient rituals, and modern spectacles. From the first midnight in the Pacific islands to the final
countdown in the Americas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day offer a fascinating snapshot of our shared hope
for renewal. Whether you dream of standing beneath a sky full of fireworks, joining a centuries‑old ritual, or
adopting a new good‑luck tradition at home, the arrival of 2026 is filled with possibilities.
This article takes you on a tour of New Year’s celebrations across continents, highlighting unique cultural
traditions, and shares inspiration you can bring into your own celebration at home. You’ll also find links
to travel guides, destination features, and cultural explainers that your visitors can click to explore in more depth.
Setting up your salon’s service menu isn’t just about covering overheads or matching the competitor down the street. It’s a subtle psychological dance. The prices you choose tell a story about your brand before a client even walks through the door. Understanding the mental triggers behind spending can turn hesitant browsers into loyal regulars. To help you achieve this in your salon, we’re here to cover the psychology behind effective service pricing.
We often think of nature as a peaceful backdrop to our daily lives—lush parks, tree-lined streets, and vibrant forests. However, if left unchecked, plant growth can compromise public safety.
Safety is often synonymous with law enforcement, but for forward-thinking local governments, the definition is far broader. True community security involves resilience, public health, and social equity.
Bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds requires precise tools. Whether you are preserving historical artifacts or ensuring the quality of aerospace components, 3D scanning technology acts as the critical translator.
Related Bing News Results The D.E.I. Industry, Scorned by the White House, Turns to ‘Safer’ Topics Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:00:00 GMT To avoid government scrutiny, companies are asking for fewer trainings focused on race and gender and more on neurodivergence and generational differences. By Niko Gallogly To report this article, ... Convenience Store News Industry Report 2025: Under Pressure Sun, 08 Jun 2025 17:00:00 GMT Weary consumers, declining foot traffic and rising operational costs had convenience store retailers apprehensive heading into 2024. Indeed, some of their concerns were warranted. After hitting record ... Self-Publishing’s Output and Influence Continue to Grow Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:00:00 GMT In its most recent report, Bowker found that the number of self-published titles with ISBNs rose 7.2% in 2023 over 2022, topping 2.6 million—another healthy jump for a sector that has more than ... Comics Industry Unites Against Headwinds at ComicsPRO 2024 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 15:59:00 GMT Comics retailers, publishers, and distributors got down to business at the annual ComicsPRO retailer meeting held February 22–24 in Pittsburgh, Pa. The event is sponsored by ComicsPRO, an organization ...
