What Diseases Can People Get from Mice in Ocean City, NJ? Hantavirus, Salmonellosis & More

Is anyone else out there trying their hardest to avoid the sicknesses that are hovering around this winter holiday season? It can be a real task to try and stay healthy when it is cold outside. What many people don’t fully understand is that there could be another health risk that is hiding within the walls of their homes. When mice infest your residence, they don’t only cause damage to your property, but they are a potential health risk as well. Ross Environmental Solutions is here to share some information about the diseases that mice carry and what risk they are to you and your health.

What Diseases Can Humans Get from Mice & Rats?

There are a few diseases that can pose a real risk to humans when transmitted from a rodent like a mouse or rat. Following are some you should be aware of.
– Hantavirus: This a fairly well-known disease that is carried and transmitted by mice. It can be potentially fatal, so it’s best to avoid it at all costs. This respiratory illness can infect humans when breathed in. If you have any area that has an active mouse infestation, the chances of this disease are much higher. The disease is found in the feces and when they are often cleaned up and removed from an area, the disease becomes airborne and poses a threat.
– Salmonellosis: This is a common type of food poisoning that happens when mice or rats contaminate food that is then consumed. It can be a pretty awful disease to experience as symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain.
– Rat-Bite Fever (RBF): This is another disease that is a form of food poisoning. It can be tricky to pinpoint however, because symptoms often don’t really appear until 3-10 days after exposure to the disease. The symptoms include fever, vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, rash and muscle pain.
– Bubonic Plague: This disease is a tricky one. You actually don’t become infected by direct contact with the rodent itself. Most people are infected when they are bit by a flea that comes from an infected rodent. This can be a deadly disease and symptoms include excessive bleeding, extreme muscle weakness, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and more. There are on average 7 cases for Bubonic Plague.

How to Protect Against a Rat or Mouse Infestation?

When you are trying to avoid a mouse or rat infestation, the first thing you need to remember is that these rodents are looking for warmth, food and water; all of which can be found in your home. You need to ensure that there are no entry points including cracks and holes around your home to get in. You should also be storing your food properly and repairing any leaking pipes that could be also attracting rodents.

Rodent Control

If you find that you are struggling with a rodent infestation, don’t hesitate to call on the professionals at Ross Environmental Solutions to solve your problem. We will work quickly to get rid of any rodents in your home. Call us today!