This time of year, it is exceptionally challenging to stay healthy. This is especially true due to the prevalence of the flu, allergies, and other issues currently impacting the nation, such as the outbreak of the measles and food-related e. coli illnesses.

Despite these issues, there are other threats that many do not think about. One of the most threatening are rat infestations.

According to statistics, there are – on average – 21 million residences within the United States that are invaded by rats.

While these rodents are capable of doing their fair share of damage to homes and surrounding structures, the most serious complication are the health-related dangers that they pose to humans. Continue reading to learn more.

Rat-Bite Fever

One of the most serious health-related issues and potentially fatal issues posed by rat infestations is an infectious disease referred to as “rat-bite fever”. This can be directly spread from rats to humans or through the consumption of foods that have been contaminated by rats.

Individuals that contract this illness will show symptoms in as few as 3 days. These may include fever, headache, the development of a rash, vomiting, and pain of the muscles.

Hantavirus

The next health risk directly linked to rats is the hantavirus. If a person inhales the urine, feces, or saliva of an infected rat, they may contract this potentially serious illness.

The symptoms that occur with this illness are fatigue, the development of a fever, and severe pain in the muscles.

In many instances, the infected individual may also experience abdominal pain and related complications, dizziness and related vertigo complications, body chills, and headache.

Salmonellosis

If a rat infestation has contaminated a food source consumed by humans, salmonellosis may occur. In short, this is a type of food poisoning. It will cause pain in the abdominal cavity, fever, and diarrhea.

Severe cases may also include vomiting. On average, at least 40,000 cases of this illness are reported on an annual basis within the United States. In most instances, the source of food contamination is rat feces.

The Plague

While not as commonly experienced, rat infestations may result in the development of the bubonic plague, which is also referred to as “black death”.

In most instances, it occurs when a person is bit by a flea from an infected rodent. It can cause swelling in the lymph nodes, fever, and a headache. Gastrointestinal illness may also develop.

Fire

When rats infest a home, they have a tendency to chew through electrical wires and components. As a result of this, they can cause a fire to occur within the home. According to statistics, approximately 25% of all fires within the nation each year are caused by rodents.

We Can Help

If you have a rat infestation, it is time for rodent removal services. We here at Palmetto Wildlife Extractors can help with this.

Why allow rats to pose a danger to your health, the health of your loved ones, or pose a danger to your home? Call us today and get those pests away from what you cherish the most: 855-465-1088