Do Rats Carry Diseases?
WouterWhen keeping a rat as a pet, you need to know the risks associated with rat-borne diseases. Some of these diseases are easily transmitted to humans through direct contact with an infected rat, contaminated feces or bedding, and sneezing or coughing. Fortunately, treatment with antibiotics and supportive care will reduce the effects of the infection. Some diseases can be fatal, including plague, typhus, and hantavirus.
The main diseases that are spread by rats are leptospirosis and salmonellosis. These diseases are often transmitted to humans through the direct contact with rat urine and feces. Other diseases such as plague are spread through contact with contaminated water or surfaces. People with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to rat-borne diseases.
To prevent the spread of disease caused by rodents, clean up the area as thoroughly as possible. This includes sanitizing and washing the hands and faces of the baby. In addition, parents who feed their babies should make sure that they remove the bottle as soon as it is finished. Parents also need to wash their hands and faces frequently and wash elderly relatives frequently.
Rats are vulnerable to many types of parasites and diseases. Pinworms, for example, are common intestinal parasites that can infect rats. The pinworms in rat feces can cause diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. Diagnosing pinworm infection is easy because the rat’s feces contain eggs and worms. The worms can also be detected by examining the rat’s anus and examining its feces for eggs. If you are worried that your rat has pinworms, you can remove it surgically. Fortunately, most pinworm infections are benign.
