Diseases Spread by Rats in Brooklyn
New York City is known for many, many things and, regrettably, the large rat population is one of them. Unlike many wildlife species, rats thrive in urban areas, living in remote areas of our buildings and feasting on our food waste. Rats are also filthy pests that can be carriers of several dangerous diseases that are transmittable to humans. When rats live in close proximity to people, as they do throughout Brooklyn, there is a high risk of disease transmission.
Diseases Carried by Rats
- Hantavirus - One of the deadliest diseases spread by rats, hantavirus has no known treatment or cure. This dangerous virus can be contracted by being bitten by an infected rat or by breathing in dust from its droppings or urine. Symptoms of hantavirus include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Hantavirus has a significant mortality rate of 38% and it may take weeks or even months for survivors to recover normal function of their lungs. Fortunately, human cases of hantavirus in Brooklyn are very rare.
- Leptospirosis - A bacterial disease commonly carried by rats, leptospirosis is most often transmitted to humans who come into contact with the urine of infected rats. Leptospirosis is accompanied by many different symptoms, including high fever, headaches, muscle aches, diarrhea, and jaundice. Severe cases of leptospirosis are known to be fatal. However, leptospirosis can be treated by antibiotics, which can often neutralize the disease if administered early on.
- Rat Bite Fever - This disease is exactly what it sounds like: a bacterial infection that is most commonly spread by rat bites. However, even just handling a rat - alive or dead - can result in the spread of rat bite fever. If you're infected with rat bite fever, symptoms can include vomiting, headaches, fever, and a skin rash. Rat bite fever has a mortality rate of 10% in those who don't receive treatment. Fortunately, this disease can be reliably treated with penicillin and other antibiotics.
Worried About Rat Diseases? We Can Help
If you're concerned about catching diseases from rats in your home or workplace, we recommend contacting an exterminator to get rid of your rat problem. Contact OnGuard Pest Services today if you're interested in rat control services in the Brooklyn area!
