What are the Health Risks Associated with a Rat Infestation?
Rats are filthy. In Brooklyn, these rodents spend their lives living in unsanitary environments such as sewers and subway tracks, often scrounging for food in dumpsters and garbage cans. Because of their grungy living habits, rats are often carriers of various diseases, bacteria, and parasites, which are transmittable to humans.
Some of the major health risks associated with a rat infestation in Brooklyn include:
- Leptospirosis - A disease that is spread through rat urine, often contaminating water. Leptospirosis can cause severe liver and kidney damage if not treated properly.
- Hantavirus - A life-threatening virus that is transmitted through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent waste. Though fortunately rare, hantavirus causes severe respiratory problems and is often fatal in severe cases.
- Salmonellosis - Rats can contaminate food and eating areas with salmonella bacteria. Ingesting this bacteria will lead to salmonellosis, resulting in diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- E. Coli - Another harmful foodborne bacteria spread by rats is E. coli. If you consume food contaminated by rats, severe symptoms can occur, including diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
- Rat-Bite Fever - If you are bitten by a rat, the transmitted bacteria may cause you to contract rat-bite fever. Symptoms include high fever, vomiting, rash, and muscle pain.
- Fleas & Ticks - Rats in Brooklyn are often infested by fleas and ticks, which they will introduce to your house or apartment. These parasites may then target you and your pets, potentially spreading disease.
- Allergens - Rat hair and droppings contain various allergens that can exacerbate health conditions like asthma. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to allergens spread by rats.
