Five Diseases Spread by Rodents in Florida

Are you aware that rats and mice can fit into spaces as small as a nickel?  With that said, as these rodents make homes in attics, cars, and living areas, they spread zoonotic diseases that Florida residents need to be aware of. Professional rodent prevention services are critical to preventing these diseases from being spread by rodents to humans. Here are just a few of the diseases spread by rodents. 

Diseases Spread By Rodents Found In Florida

Salmonella

Some rodents carry it in their digestive system.  We can contract salmonella when we come in contact with rodent waste, usually by eating contaminated food or drinking water.  A common way rodents spread salmonella to humans is when they leave their urine in food preparation areas and food is unknowingly prepared on a contaminated surface.

Although Not a Disease: Asthma from Rodent Urine 

The proteins found in rodent urine are the second leading cause of Asthma.  Rat urine has been shown to complicate the symptoms of asthma and asthma-related ailments greatly.  

Rat Bite Fever

Rat bite fever contracted through direct contact with a rat. This would typically happen through a scratch, bite, or touching of a dead rat. It can be severe and even deadly.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)- Unique Rodents

This is a virus in the Americas caused by rodents in the home. It is a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory disease. If you come into contact with a rodent carrying hantavirus, you could contract this.  In 2012, there was an outbreak at Yosemite National Park. Of the ten confirmed cases, three were fatal. You can download a brochure on the Hantavirus put out by the CDC linked here 

Leptospirosis

Also spread through a rodent’s urine. This can get into soil and water and sit there for weeks to months. Human contact is usually through contaminated water, such as floodwater.  It can also be transmitted through open wounds or mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth, and nose.   

LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) is a viral disease that affects the nervous system. It is caused by the Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) and is prevalent in rodents. The virus is transmitted to humans through direct contact with rodents or their urine, saliva, or droppings. In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of LCM. 

We said 5 Diseases- But We Can’t Leave Out… The Plague 

The Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is often referred to as the “Black Death” due to the dark patches that appear on the skin of infected individuals.  The symptoms of the Plague vary depending on the type of infection. The three main types of Plague are Bubonic Plague, Septicemic Plague, and Pneumonic Plague. Bubonic Plague is the most common and is characterized by swollen lymph nodes, fever, and chills. Septicemic Plague occurs when the bacterium spreads to the bloodstream and can cause organ failure. Pneumonic Plague is the most severe form and affects the lungs, causing fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Best Way to Avoid Rodent Spread Diseases in Florida 

Rodent Solutions is the trusted expert for rodent control in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Parrish. With industry-leading methods for locating and excluding the entry points of rodents, we guarantee reliable rodent control and prevention services for your home or business. We’ll thoroughly evaluate your home to identify and seal any potential entry points, then trap any remaining rodents.  After the rodent removal process, we can clean up the rat/mouse feces and decontaminate the infested areas.  The owner of Rodent Solutions is Zoonotic Disease Certified by NWCOA (National Wildlife Control Operators Association) and has extensive experience safely cleaning up rat feces and decontaminating rodent infestations.  We will closely work with you to find the best solution for your rodent problems. Contact us today! 

Learn More About Rodents 

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