This is a highly severe respiratory disease that stems from the infectious hantaviruses that are currently in existence. In some instances, the disease is so severe that it proves to be fatal.
Rodents that are infected will leave behind urine, fecal droppings, saliva, and other bodily fluids that may transmit this disease to humans. Transmission occurs when people simply breathe in the aerosolized-based components of the virus.
If you have a rat infestation in or around your home, immediate elimination is necessary to avoid this potentially life-threatening disease.
Hantavirus Locations
In the United States, the hantavirus that is responsible for most infections among humans is the Sin Nombre. The main host is the deer mouse, but, other rodents – specifically, rats – are able to transmit the virus, too.
In the Southeastern region of the United States, the cotton rat is the main host. Rice rats may also carry the hantavirus in the Southeastern states. The hantavirus is most commonly found in areas that are rural. This includes regions that have farms, forests, and fields.
Most people are exposed near or around their home, especially where sheds, barns, and other structures are standing among fields, near forests, and in farms.
Common Symptoms of the Infection
According to studies, the symptoms that occur with this rat disease may occur anywhere between one and eight weeks following exposure to the hantavirus through infected rodents.
In the early stages, an infected person will often have a high level of fatigue, a fever, and they may find that the muscles in the back, the thighs, the hips, and the shoulders ache. Many may get headaches, feel cold, experience dizziness, and suffer from gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and pain.
In the later stages of the disease, it is common for coughing and shortness of breath to occur. This often stems from the fact that the lungs start to fill up with fluid. If medical assistance is not sough, the disease can prove to be fatal. To date, the mortality rate ranks in at approximately 38%.
Prevention
To prevent this disease from occurring, you should ensure that you minimize or completely eliminate any contact with rodents and any product from their bodies. You may start by ensuring your home is completely sealed and that outside buildings are appropriately sealed.
If you know that rodents reside near the home, you should take pest control measures to prevent an advancement in the infestation. Unfortunately, this could put you at higher risk as you are likely to come in contact with the rodents.
The safest measure is to opt for rat removal services. If you need help eliminating rats near or in your home, we here at Palmetto Wildlife Extractors can help you.
Simply contact us today to learn about these services and to protect you and your loved ones from the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.