An animal expert explains five diseases rats transmit to humans: leptospirosis, hantavirus, plague, typhus, and salmonella. Learn how each spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent infection while coexisting safely with rats.
Did you know that rats can transmit diseases to us without us having to touch them? Although they are intelligent animals and very important to the ecosystem, they can also be carriers of certain pathogens that affect people. In this video by an animal expert, we will tell you about five diseases that they can transmit to us, how to avoid them, and what to do to take care of ourselves without harming them. Foreign what are zoonotic diseases? Zoonotic diseases, or zoonoses are those that can jump from an animal to a person. Animals often carry a virus or bacteria that do not affect us, but other times they can harm us. In fact, some of the major epidemics in history have been caused by these types of diseases. And the worst thing is that even though rats seem healthy, they can be carriers of diseases. In other words, they carry microbes on them and leave them in the environment without realizing it. And that's where we come in. How do they infect us? Contagion is not always through direct contact, although it can also happen. Rats can transmit diseases through blood, saliva, urine, feces and even their tissue. And be careful where they go or what they touch, because any surface they contaminate can become a root of infection. Even the parasites that bite them can bite us and transmit the disease. In short, you have to be careful. What diseases can rats transmit? 1. Leptospirosis. It is an infection caused by a bacterium of the genus Leptospira. It is easily transmitted and can become very serious, although most only have mild symptoms. In some cases, it develops into whale disease, which can cause hemorrhages and organ failure. Luckily, it is treated with antibiotics, but you have to act quickly. 2. Antivirus. This virus is common in rural areas with poor hygiene. At first, it causes symptoms similar to a severe flu, such as fever, muscle pain, dizziness or malaise. But if it becomes complicated, it can cause cardiopulmonary syndrome, I.e. difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, etc. And yes, it can be fatal. There is no cure, but the symptoms can be treated if detected early. 3. Tularemia. It's known as rabbit fever, but rats can also transmit it. It's spread through direct contact with infected blood or tissue or through the bites of insects that are already infected. Symptoms include fever, headache and rash. And yes, it's treated with antibiotics. Number four. Toxoplasmosis. It's usually associated with cats, but rats can also transmit it. It's a type of microscopic parasite that's usually spread through contaminated food or water. In pregnant women, it can pass to the baby and cause serious problems. Fortunately, it's also treated with special medications. If you're interested in this topic, we've left a video about diseases that cats can transmit in the description. Number five, bubonic plague. Yes, the famous Black Death, the one that killed millions in the Middle Ages. And although it's linked to ancient history, it still exists today. In fact, about 700 cases are reported each year. It's caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics if detected. Early symptoms, inflamed gallbladders the size of an egg, and a lot of pain. If left untreated, it can be fatal. So is there any need to panic? No. But you do need to be careful, especially with wild rats, which pose the greatest risk. What can you do? Seal any gaps where they could enter your home. Keep your trash cans tightly closed. And if you see any signs of rats, call pest control. Oh, and if you've ever had to deal with rats in your home, tell us about your experience in the comments. Until next time, experts. Yeah.
