Rodent-Borne Diseases in California: What You Need to Know

Rodents are not just a nuisance that may cause disturbance at night and damage to your garden. They can be a threat to you and your family through the spread of certain diseases.

Did you know? Rats and mice can spread more than 35 diseases. These can be spread directly through contact with live or dead rodents or through feces, urine, saliva, and bites.

What diseases can you get from rodents?

Several diseases can be transmitted to humans through contact with rodents or their waste. Here are some of the most common diseases that can be directly transmitted by rodents to humans:

1. Hantavirus

This virus can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness with high mortality rates. It is typically transmitted through inhaling dust containing rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, or through bites.

2. Leptospirosis

This bacterial disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, jaundice, and kidney failure. It is transmitted through contact with rodent urine or contaminated water.

3. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)

This viral disease can cause flu-like symptoms, meningitis, and encephalitis. It can be transmitted through contact with rodent saliva, urine, or droppings.

4. Salmonellosis

This bacterial disease can cause gastrointestinal illness with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. It is transmitted through contact with rodent droppings or contaminated food or water.

5. Rat-bite fever

This bacterial infection can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and skin lesions. It is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rodents.

6. Lassa fever

This viral disease is primarily found in West Africa and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent droppings. Symptoms can include fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

7. Chagas disease

This parasitic disease is primarily found in Latin America and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected triatomine bugs, also known as “kissing bugs,” which often feed on rodents. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rash.

There are also other bacterial diseases that can be passed on through vectors such as insects that live on rodents. For example, plague can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected fleas that live on rodents and Tularemia through the bite of infected ticks or flies, contact with infected animals or their carcasses, or inhalation of contaminated dust. Meanwhile, typhus can also be transmitted through the bite of infected lice or fleas that live on rodents.

Not all rodents carry these diseases. Nevertheless, it is best to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings to minimize the risk of infection.

Seek Help from Rodent Control Experts

Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate spiders. We offer QualityPro-certified spider control treatments to eliminate all types of rodents. Learn more about our Rodent Control and Extermination Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.

Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 800-901-1102 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate!