What Diseases Do Rats Carry in Tennessee?

Rats and mice are not just unwanted intruders in your home or business; they also carry serious health risks due to the diseases and bacteria they harbor. Their presence can be harmful even without direct contact. For example, their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces and air, leading to respiratory issues. You could fall ill from eating food they’ve contaminated or by spending time in areas where they’ve created infestations. In Tennessee, it’s widely recognized that these rodents can transmit various dangerous diseases.

Which Rodents Carry Diseases?

Rodents in general can carry diseases that affect both humans and pets, but rats and mice are the primary concerns due to their frequent invasions of our living spaces. These pests can spread illnesses through bites, scratches, or by contaminating areas with urine and droppings. Additionally, ticks, fleas, and mites that inhabit these rodents or their nests can also contribute to the risk of disease. Here are some common Tennessee rodents to watch out for:

• Deer Mouse: The deer mouse is known for carrying Hantavirus, a serious illness that can be transmitted to humans through contact with its urine, droppings, or saliva. Additionally, this rodent can spread other diseases, such as leptospirosis, making it a significant health risk in areas where it is present.
• House Mouse: The house mouse can spread several diseases, including salmonellosis, through contamination of food and surfaces with its urine and droppings. This rodent is also a potential vector for hantavirus, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with its waste or by inhaling dust from its nesting materials.
• Roof Rat: Roof rats can transmit diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella through their urine and droppings, which can contaminate food and surfaces. Additionally, they are known carriers of rat-bite fever, which can be spread through their bites or contact with their contaminated environments.
• Norway Rat: Norway rats are known carriers of diseases like leptospirosis and tularemia, which can be transmitted through contact with their urine and droppings. Additionally, they can spread rat-bite fever through bites and scratches, posing significant health risks to humans.

Rodent-Borne Illnesses to Watch Out For

Although not all diseases carried by rodents are life-threatening, many can cause severe health problems if not promptly managed. In Tennessee, some of the more serious illnesses spread by these rodents are:

• Hantavirus: Often spread by deer mice, this serious respiratory illness begins with symptoms such as fever and chills and necessitates prompt medical intervention.
• Rat-bite Fever: This disease is frequently transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rodents, or through handling dead rodents and contaminated traps without proper safety precautions.
• Leptospirosis: Rodents are common carriers of this disease, which is caused by bacteria in water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
• Salmonellosis: Typically contracted from eating contaminated food, this disease can also spread through contact with rodent droppings.
• Tularemia: Commonly known as rabbit fever, this disease can spread through contact with infected rodents, including the meadow vole.
• Murine Typhus: This illness is spread through fleas that have bitten infected rodents, especially rats.
• Toxoplasmosis: Although commonly linked to cat feces, this infection can also be transmitted by rodents that carry the parasite, potentially causing flu-like symptoms in otherwise healthy adults.

Symptoms of Rodent-Borne Illness

If you suspect you’ve contracted a disease from a rodent, it’s crucial to see a doctor, particularly if there is a nearby infestation or if you’ve recently come into contact with a live or dead rodent. Typical early symptoms of rodent-borne diseases include:

• Fever: A rise in body temperature is often one of the first signs.
• Chills: Shivering or feeling cold despite a normal or high temperature.
• Headache: Persistent or severe headaches.
• Muscle Aches: General muscle pain or discomfort.
• Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling queasy or vomiting.
• Cough or Respiratory Issues: Especially for diseases like hantavirus.
• Rash: Some diseases may cause skin rashes or lesions.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to promptly see your healthcare provider for a detailed assessment and necessary treatment.
 

Take Care of Rodent Infestations ASAP with Johnson Pest Control

When rodents are found on your property, quick action is essential to protect your health and home. Our team not only removes the pests but also conducts a thorough inspection to identify and seal potential entry points. We specialize in the swift removal of rats and mice, ensuring they do not return, thus maintaining the safety of your family and the integrity of your property.

Call Johnson Pest Control now and let our skilled team help keep your property secure!