Most people either cringe or jump on a chair when they see a mouse or other rodent. This can be an instinctive reaction instead of a fear-related one. At the end of the day, having any type of rodent running across the floor in your home is not a pleasant experience.
Of course, seeing one rodent means there are likely to be more. It’s usually the case that by the time you see the rodent the infestation is already present. It’s a good idea to contact your local pest control experts and get the issue dealt with.
But, it’s more than just the feeling that your home has been invaded. Rodents can actually carry a surprising number of diseases, they won’t just make you feel ill, some of them are capable of being fatal.
Check out some of the most common diseases that can be caught from wild mice and other rodents:
Hantavirus
This can be contracted if you’re exposed to the droppings and urine of deer mice. That’s why it’s important to take proper precautions when clearing out a rodent nest, especially in one of your outbuildings.
It causes respiratory issues and reports suggest that it will be fatal for approximately 1 in 5 infected people.
Plague
You may think that the plague is ancient history but rodents were responsible for it starting and they still carry the disease today. In fact, you don’t even need to touch the mouse or its droppings, fleas that bite the infected rodents can transmit the disease to you or your pets.
Even if the plague is not prevalent in your area, be aware, especially when traveling.
Tularemia
If you’re bitten by a wild rodent or touch a dead rodent that carries this disease, you’re likely to become infected. Although listed as a rare disease it attacks your skin, lungs, lymph nodes, and your eyes. In the long term, if left untreated, it will cause fevers, fatigue, and is often fatal.
Leptospirosis
This disease infects most animals and humans. What is interesting is that some people display no symptoms, while others can display a huge array of different symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose it properly.
If this disease isn’t treated you’re likely to suffer from kidney damage and can contract meningitis. In the worst cases, this will lead to liver failure, respiratory issues, and death.
Salmonellosis
You’ve probably heard of Salmonella which can be contracted by eating or drinking contaminated food. However, what you may not have realized is that this is also present in rodents and you can contract it if you come into contact with their droppings.
You’ll experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and severe vomiting. The good news is that, in most cases, the disease only lasts for between 2 and 7 days.
However, the young, old, and those with a weakened immune system can experience more severe versions of this disease and occasionally it results in death.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
All wild rodents can carry this but mice are particularly good at carrying the bacteria. It’s not usually fatal but it does cause fever, loss of appetite; aching muscles, headaches, vomiting, and even meningitis like symptoms. You’ll need hospital treatment and potentially neurological therapy.
None of these conditions are desirable and that’s only some of the diseases that mice and other rodents carry. So, if you have an issue with rodents, click here to find out more about getting them professionally removed, and make sure you take all necessary precautions.