Different Diseases That Florida Rats May Carry and What to Watch Out For

Domestic Saint Lucie rats and wild rats will both carry different diseases that can be transmitted to us. The wild type of rats will present a higher risk since they live in an uncontrolled environment. Regardless, it is still better to stay informed about the possible diseases that you can acquire from rats. In some cases, the disease that you can acquire from the rat can lead to death. In order to comprehend the dangers that the rats present, you will need to be aware on how the transmission of the disease occur.



Types of Disease That Rats May Carry

The disease transmission will happen through multiple routes. It may happen through the exposure to the infected Florida rat droppings, nesting materials, urine, and saliva. This may be through the improper handling or through the accidental inhaling of the fungal spores. The bites of the rodents as well as the bites from the parasites that they carry can also result to the acquisition of zoonotic diseases.

Leptospirosis

Weil’s disease, popularly known as Leptospirosis is a bacteria that can be carried by the Saint Lucie rats. Normally this is asymptomatic and once the symptoms manifest, it will be challenging to find the right treatment. The disease can be transmitted to humans when the urine and droppings of the rats came in contact with our wounds or mucous membrane. Some of the symptoms that you need to watch out for include muscle pain, rashes, vomiting, headache, and fever. When not treated properly, Leptospirosis can be fatal.

Salmonella

This is another type of bacterial infection that can be acquire through wild and domesticated Florida rats. Just like the disease above, this can be spread through the urine and droppings of the rats. Once we ingested a food or water that has been contaminated with their body wastes, the possibility that the infection might occur is relatively high. You may start experiencing gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. For the healthy people, the disease will run its course and will not cause any long-term issue. However, there are also instances, when the salmonella will enter the blood stream that can lead to other complications such as sepsis.

Rat-Bite Fever

The number of rat bite fever is in a continuous rise due to the improper approach of Florida pet owners when handling their pet rat. This will be acquired when the rat bite you. The bacteria found in their teeth will transmit the disease. This disease is categorized into two types; spirillary and streptobacillary. For those who have the streptobacillary, they will experience symptoms such as fever, vomiting, muscle pain, and rashes. On the contrary, people with spirillary will suffer from inflamed lymph nodes and recurring fever. 

Once you notice some of the symptoms we mentioned in this article, call your Saint Lucie doctor immediately. You should inform them about the rat infestation in your house. This information is crucial to create an accurate diagnosis and provide you with the best medication that can prevent the condition from becoming serious.



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