What Diseases Do Rodents Carry? 5 Rodent-borne Diseases

Author: Emma Grace Crumbley, Entomologist

Rodents aren’t just destructive pests; they can also be dangerous to have around your home. Rodents like rats and mice are capable of spreading several diseases to people through their droppings, urine, and saliva. Keep your home protected from rodents and be aware of rodent-borne diseases: 

Plague – Yes, like that plague. Plague is a serious bacterial illness amplified by rodents. Infected rodents carry this disease, which gets picked up by fleas that feed on them. When either infected fleas or infected rodents bite people, bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic plague can be spread to humans. Each form of plague has its own symptoms, and none are pleasant to have. 

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) – Hantavirus is a severe, potentially fatal illness that can cause chronic and lifelong complications related to respiratory failure, kidney failure, and heart failure. This viral disease is spread through exposure to an infected rodent's droppings, urine, or saliva. In areas with high rodent populations and heavy, localized infestations, the risk of contracting HPS is high. Though this disease is rare, precautions should always be taken when working in areas with high rodent abundance. 

Rat Bite Fever – As the name suggests, this bacterial infection is contracted through the bites of infected rodents. Fever is only one of the symptoms, along with headaches, rash, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Rat bite fever can also be contracted by ingesting contaminated food or water. In extreme cases, this bacterial infection can lead to kidney damage, heart inflammation, and meningitis. 

Leptospirosis – Sometimes rodents don’t need to bite you or even be near you to give you a disease. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated food and water, or by contact with contaminated soil, and even through contact with rodent urine. Symptoms can include flu-like symptoms as well as jaundice, diarrhea, and vomiting. 

Salmonellosis - commonly known as Salmonella, this bacterial infection can be spread by ingesting germs from rodents, especially those used as feeders for reptiles or amphibians. When working with rodents, whether to feed them to other animals or remove them from your home, always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or handling food with your bare hands. Symptoms associated with Salmonella include painful abdominal cramps, nausea, chills, and fatigue. 

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