What Diseases Do Rats Carry in Flushing NY?
The presence of rats and mice in your home or business can lead to serious health concerns, as they carry harmful diseases and bacteria. Even without direct contact, their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces and air, causing respiratory issues. Consuming food that they have tainted or spending time in infested spaces can make you ill. In New York, these rodents are recognized for transmitting various dangerous diseases.

Which Rodents Carry Diseases?
Rodents can carry diseases that impact both humans and pets, but the primary concern lies with rats and mice due to their frequent invasions into our homes. These pests are capable of spreading illnesses through bites, scratches, and by contaminating areas with their urine and droppings. Additionally, the ticks, fleas, and mites that dwell on these rodents or in their nests can increase disease transmission risks. Here are some common rodent species in New York to watch 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.
- Meadow Vole: Meadow Voles can transmit diseases such as hantavirus and other gastrointestinal diseases through their urine and droppings, which can contaminate food and surfaces. Additionally, they are known carriers of Lyme disease and tularemia, which can be spread through their bites or contact with their contaminated environments.
- Norway Rat: Norway rats are recognized as carriers of diseases such as leptospirosis and tularemia, which can spread through exposure to their urine and droppings. They also pose health hazards by transmitting rat-bite fever via bites and scratches.
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Rodent-Borne Illnesses to Watch Out For
Although many rodent-related diseases aren’t necessarily life-threatening, they can still result in serious health complications if not addressed quickly. In New York, some of the more severe 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
Should you suspect that you’ve contracted a disease from a rodent, it’s essential to seek medical attention, particularly if there’s a nearby infestation or if you’ve recently handled a live or dead rodent. Early symptoms of rodent-borne diseases often include:
- Fever: One of the earliest symptoms is a noticeable rise in body temperature.
- 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.
Experiencing these symptoms warrants a prompt visit to your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and the necessary treatment.
Take Care of Rodent Infestations ASAP with Magic Exterminating
When you discover rodents on your property, it’s important to act quickly to protect both your health and your home. Our team not only removes these pests but also conducts an extensive inspection to find and seal off potential entryways. We specialize in prompt rat and mouse removal, ensuring they stay away and keeping your family safe while maintaining your property’s integrity.
What Diseases Do Rats Carry in Flushing NY Serving Flushing NY and Port Washington NY?
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