Common diseases transmitted by rodents: Definition and symptoms
Rodent infestations must be attacked quickly, as they can easily become a liability for property owners and families. During cold weather, it’s common to see evidence of rodent activity in the house, especially in dark areas, like the garage, basement, attic, and areas where there isn’t a lot of traffic.
Rodents carry over 35 diseases through their feces and urine, and they can also transmit many more indirectly via bites from infected fleas, ticks, and mites. If you’re struggling with infestations and rodent droppings, Bio-One of Chula Vista can help you. Our specialists follow the most rigorous procedures and utilize EPA-approved chemicals to properly clean, disinfect areas from animal waste (feces, urine, and remnants from pest control procedures) and restore your property to a safe, hazard-free environment.
Rodents are particularly dangerous because their urine and droppings carry bacteria and diseases that will remain even after the waste is completely dry. Additionally, urine and droppings are highly infectious for people and other animals due to the strong odors usually concentrated in poorly ventilated areas.
If not remediated properly, rodent droppings and urine can transmit multiple bacteria and diseases. Common diseases transmitted by rodents include:
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) - Directly transmitted by rodents. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a dangerous, sometimes lethal respiratory disease that affects humans who have had contact with rodents. Infested homes are typically the primary risk of exposure to this disease. Early symptoms include fatigue, body ache, headaches, nausea, and stomach problems. Rodents transmit HPS via feces, urine, and saliva, and humans may become infected by breathing in these toxins in highly contaminated areas. According to the CDC, HPS has a mortality rate of 38%.
Leptospirosis - Directly transmitted by rodents. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals, primarily by rodent urine. The transmission also occurs when humans and animals have contact with water, soil, and contaminated food. There’s a wide variety of symptoms, including headaches, fever, chills, nausea, and vomit, which makes it easy to be mistaken with other diseases. If not treated promptly, Leptospirosis can result in respiratory problems, liver and kidney complications, and death.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) - Directly transmitted by rodents. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a viral disease mainly transmitted by exposure to fresh urine, droppings, and nesting material from the common house mice. Direct contact with the infected rodents is also a cause of transmission. LCM symptoms usually develop within 8-13 after exposure and they range from fever, muscle and body ache, headaches, to neurological complications. Though it’s not considered a lethal disease, LCM infection can develop in two phases, which can prolong the person’s struggle with the disease.
Salmonellosis - Directly transmitted by rodents. Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. The primary source of exposure is by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water by rats, mice, and hamster feces. Salmonellosis results in stomach complications (diarrhea and vomit) and while it’s not considered a lethal disease, complications may arise from dehydration.
Other diseases directly transmitted by rodents include Plague, Rat-Bite Fever, and Tularemia. You can visit CDC’s portal on Diseases directly transmitted by rodents for more information.
Bio-One of Chula Vista can help you
Before performing any cleaning and disinfection on areas infested by rodent droppings, you have to make sure rodents are exterminated from the property. Sealing and trapping these bothersome creatures are the first steps before moving along with the cleaning and disinfection process. If you’re struggling with rodent droppings and urine in your house or property, Bio-One of Chula Vista can help you.
Locally owned, Bio-One of Chula Vista proudly serves the following San Diego County cities: Chula Vista, San Diego, National City, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, Coronado, La Mesa, Imperial Beach, Bonita, Alpine, and surrounding communities. We are also proud members of the National City Chamber of Commerce and an approved HomeAdvisor company.
We offer free estimates for our services, and we are available 24/7! Give us a call at 619-892-1744.
