According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rat bites can cause a number of serious illnesses including hantavirus salmonellosis leptospirosis and plague. Although rat bites are not as common as other animal bites they can still pose a serious health threat. If you are bitten by a rat it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
The CDC recommends that people who have been bitten by a rat should:
• Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 5 minutes.
• Apply a clean dry bandage to the wound.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• If you have been exposed to a rat-infested environment such as a home or building that has rats contact your local health department for more information.
Some of the illnesses that can be caused by rat bites include:
Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a virus that is carried by rats and can be transmitted to humans through contact with rat urine droppings or saliva. Hantavirus can cause a severe respiratory illness called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Symptoms of HPS include fever muscle aches and shortness of breath. HPS can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is an infection that is caused by the bacteria Salmonella. Salmonella bacteria are commonly found in the intestine of rats. Rat bites can transmit Salmonella bacteria to humans and these bacteria can cause an infection known as salmonellosis. Symptoms of salmonellosis include fever diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Salmonellosis can be fatal in young children the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infection that is caused by the bacteria Leptospira. Leptospira bacteria are commonly found in the urine of rats. Rat bites can transmit Leptospira bacteria to humans and these bacteria can cause an infection known as leptospirosis. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever headache and muscle pain. Leptospirosis can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Plague
Plague is an infection that is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. Yersinia pestis bacteria are commonly found in the fleas of rats. Rat bites can transmit Yersinia pestis bacteria to humans and these bacteria can cause an infection known as plague. Symptoms of plague include fever chills and swollen lymph nodes. Plague can be fatal if not treated promptly.
What are the consequences of a rat bite?
A rat bite can introduce bacteria into the body which can lead to an infection.
The bite can also cause blood poisoning.
How can I tell if a rat has bitten me?
If you have been bitten by a rat you will likely experience redness swelling and pain at the site of the bite.
You may also develop a fever.
What should I do if I think I have been bitten by a rat?
If you think you have been bitten by a rat it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
How can I prevent rat bites?
There are a few things you can do to prevent rat bites.
First try to avoid contact with rats.
If you must be around them wear gloves and other protective clothing.
Secondly do not leave food out that might attract rats.
Finally keep your home and property clean and free of clutter where rats could hide.
Where do rats typically live?
Rats typically live in dark secluded areas.
This can include burrows underground in sewers or in the attic or crawl spaces of buildings.
Are rats dangerous to humans?
Yes rats are dangerous to humans.
They can transmit diseases and they can also bite and scratch which can lead to infection.
How can I tell if there are rats on my property?
There are a few signs that there may be rats on your property.
These include seeing rats hearing rats finding rat droppings or seeing damage that has been gnawed on by rats.
How can I get rid of rats?
If you have rats on your property it is important to take steps to get rid of them.
This can include removing food sources sealing up openings into the home and using traps or poison.
What is the best way to trap a rat?
There are a few different ways to trap a rat.
You can use a live trap which is a cage that rats can enter but not exit.
You can also use a snap trap which is a device that rats step on which then kills them.
What is the best way to poison a rat?
There are a few different ways to poison a rat.
You can use rat poison which is baited with food that rats eat.
You can also use rodenticide which is a poison that is designed to kill rats.
What are some of the diseases that rats can transmit to humans?
There are a few different diseases that rats can transmit to humans including Salmonella Leptospirosis and Hantavirus.
How can I tell if I have a rat-borne disease?
The symptoms of a rat-borne disease will vary depending on the disease.
However some common symptoms include fever muscle aches and vomiting.
How can I prevent rat-borne diseases?
There are a few things you can do to prevent rat-borne diseases.
First try to avoid contact with rats.
If you must be around them wear gloves and other protective clothing.
Secondly do not leave food out that might attract rats.
Finally keep your home and property clean and free of clutter where rats could hide.
What should I do if I think I have a rat-borne disease?
If you think you may have a rat-borne disease it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
How can I get rid of rats on my property?
If you have rats on your property it is important to take steps to get rid of them.
This can include removing food sources sealing up openings into the home and using traps or poison.
