Rodents are annoying creatures. They destroy crops as they eat through the plants. They destroy properties as they chew through wood, insulation, electrical wires, cushions, etc. They also make us lose money as we have to recover what we have lost and spend money to repair what they have damaged. On top of it all, rodents carry pathogenic organisms that can cause deadly diseases. They can directly as well as indirectly transmit these diseases to humans, so this is why it’s very important for your home to be rodent-free.
If you are hesitant about spending cash to hire a pest control company, then here are some of the common diseases that we can get from them and why we need to get rid of them.
Disease That We Can Directly Get from Rodents
Here are some diseases that we can directly get from rodents.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a viral disease transmitted by deer mouse. We can get this from inhaling dust that came from the dried-up feces or urine of infected deer mouse. We can also get this from accidentally ingesting food contaminated by an infected rodent or by getting bitten by one. Symptoms include fever as well as headaches, and there will also be body aches and pain as well as gastrointestinal problems and pulmonary problems.
Leptospirosis is another common bacterial disease transmitted by rodents. The mode of transmission is the oral route where one accidentally ingests water and food contaminated b y an infected rodent. The bacteria is also transferred to humans through open wounds and skin lacerations, a good example of which is when one walks on flooded streets where infected rodents live. Symptoms of this include high fever, total body malaise, chills, fever, headache, and vomiting as well as abdominal pain and diarrhea. The victim’s skin and eyes will also turn yellowish.
Rat-Bite fever is also a bacterial disease that can be acquired through rodent bites, scratches, or even through oral route. Symptoms also include fever and headaches as well as muscle and joint aches and pain. There will also be rashes and vomiting.
Diseases That We Can Indirectly Get from Rodents
Below are some diseases that we can indirectly get from these pests.
Colorado tick fever is a viral disease that can be acquired through bites from an infected tick that came from an infected rodent. Symptoms of this viral disease include flu-like symptoms with fever as well as chills. There will also be muscle aches as well as stiff neck. The symptoms also include intolerance to light as well as severe headache.
Lyme disease is a common bacterial disease that came from an infected tick’s bite, which lives on an infected rodent. The symptoms of Lyme disease include a red rash that spreads, the whole appearance of which looks like a bull’s-eye. There will also be fever as well as headache, and the victim will also experience chills and fatigue together with muscle and joint aches and pains. Upon palpation, there will be enlargement and swelling of the lymph nodes. Meningitis is the most common complication of Lyme disease.
If the victim does not receive appropriate medical treatment for these diseases, it could cost him his life. Avoid these deadly diseases by maintaining a rodent-free home.
Jennifer Daleo contributes articles to the blog of Rove Pest Control. Rodents are not only annoying but can be deadly as well. If you have rodent problems at home, seek the help of a pest control company immediately.