Do Rats Make You Ill?
WouterOne question you might have is, “Do rats make you ill?” Although the answer is usually no, they do carry bacteria that can make people very sick. One example is rat-bite fever, which is contracted by contact with infected rodents. The symptoms of this bacterial infection can be quite uncomfortable, and they include headaches, nausea, and chills. In some severe cases, rat-bite fever can even lead to meningitis. The good news is that there are effective treatment options.
Infected rats and their feces carry a bacterial infection called salmonellosis. This infection can be spread through food, water, or contact with urine-contaminated soil. The symptoms of salmonellosis can include fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. Although this infection usually clears up within 5-7 days, serious cases may require hospitalization.
In addition to being infected with LCMV, rodents can also carry other diseases that can cause you to become ill. You can contract these diseases from direct contact with infected mice, or by drinking contaminated water or soil. Some infections can cause severe illnesses like meningitis, which requires intensive care.
Despite their cute appearance, rats are notoriously unhygienic. They can transmit many diseases to humans, including the infamous bubonic plague, also known as the black death. Many of these diseases can be fatal, and the same diseases can also be transmitted through pet rats.
