Can Rats Give You Pink Eye?
WouterThere is a possibility that rats can give you pink eye, but how can you tell? There are certain symptoms that you should watch for. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is time to visit a veterinarian. A vet can prescribe antibiotics in the form of eye drops, ointments, or oral medicine. The vet may also remove a foreign body that’s stuck in the eye. During this procedure, the vet will sedate the rat to ensure that it doesn’t move around or scratch the eye.
The infection can be caused by an organism called Staphylococcus. This bacterium lives on the skin of most animals, including rats. When the skin becomes damaged, the bacteria multiply and cause infection. This bacteria is especially common in rats that have a weakened immune system. The infection may spread and enlarge, leading to a lump on the head or face. Because the bacteria can spread easily through the bites of an infected rat, you should wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.
If you’ve had contact with an infected rat, you should contact a veterinarian right away. This disease is contagious, and symptoms may appear one to two weeks after contact. However, some cases may take up to eight weeks to develop. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they’re not fatal and are treatable. Your veterinarian can prescribe an antiviral medication to treat the infection.
