What Diseases Do Rats Carry?
WouterA number of diseases are spread through rats, and most of these can be fatal. For example, the Lassa virus, which affects humans, is primarily spread by the multimammate rat Mastomys natalensis. The disease causes symptoms similar to those of the flu, including fever, chills, and abdominal cramps. Some people who contract the disease may require hospitalization and intensive drug treatment.
Other diseases that can be spread through rat bites include salmonellosis, caused by a bacteria called salmonella. The disease causes stomach aches, a high fever, and may be accompanied by a skin rash. People can also contract tularemia from rat bites, though the infection is very treatable with antibiotics. This disease is also spread through contact with contaminated water. However, it can cause serious medical problems in children, especially those who are not immune to it.
Researchers have found that the risk of contracting a range of diseases carried by rats is increasing in Europe. A recent study found that rats carry 53 different diseases and microbes. However, the researchers also found that some are more common in certain geographical areas than others. For instance, they found that in Europe, brown rats are more likely to carry a wider range of pathogens than black rats.
Many diseases can be transmitted by rats, including typhoid fever, which affects nearly 30 million people every year. Antibiotics can help fight this disease, which is particularly dangerous for children.
