Mice rank among the most prevalent pests encountered in both urban and rural settings where we reside, triggering apprehension in many individuals. The mere mention of rodents can induce sweating and discomfort for some people.
Most of you must be well aware that these rodents are quite capable of spreading several diseases to us humans.
Besides that, they can also create havoc by damaging your various items. If you live in Manchester, then look for a mouse control Manchester if they infest your premises.
Rodent diseases
Rodents serve as carriers for a diverse array of disease-causing organisms, encompassing various species of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths (worms).
Moreover, they function as vectors or reservoirs for numerous diseases through the transmission by their ectoparasites, such as:
- Ticks
- Lice
- Mites
Rodents, believed to cause more deaths than all wars in the past millennium, carry a multitude of parasites and diseases simultaneously.
A UK farm study revealed that rats harbour 13 zoonotic (transmissible to humans) and ten non-zoonotic parasites, with some rats hosting up to nine zoonotic parasites concurrently, including previously unexplored ones like:
- Cryptosporidium
- Pasteurella
- Listeria
- Yersinia
- Coxiella
- Hantavirus
All of these indicate that there is a bigger threat to human health than previously believed.
What diseases do mice carry?
You can find these rodents almost everywhere in the world other than Antarctica. There are almost 2,200 different species that can be found.
Mice can thrive in different environments, multiply very fast, and adjust easily within the urban environment.
Particularly, for the last decades, mice have become one of the prominent pests that can be found in urban areas.
They carry various microorganisms that can spread many different diseases. A few diseases that these pests can spread are:
1. Salmonellosis
Numerous mice harbour Salmonella bacteria, posing risks to both pets and humans. These diseases get transmitted through food or water as mice can contaminate with their droppings.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can be seen within 12 to 72 hours of exposure with the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
2. Weil’s disease
Weil’s disease, a distinct type of Leptospirosis, causes organ failure, internal bleeding, and potential fatality.
The symptoms of mouse-borne diseases can be:
- Coughing up blood
- Jaundice
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Swelling in the hands
- Swelling in the feet and/or ankles
This indicates its severe and multi-organ impact.
3. Leptospirosis
Leptospira bacteria is the main cause of leptospirosis, which originates from the urine of infected mice. This disease is more prominent in subtropical and tropical regions, with symptoms like:
- Diarrhoea
- Red eyes
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
This indicates its seriousness and range of effects.
4. Rat-bite fever
Leptospirosis, arising from rat/mice bites, is induced by two bacteria – Spirillum minus and Streptobacillus moniliformin. Infected mice excrete these bacteria in urine, faces, and secretions.
Streptobacillus prompts fever with the following:
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Vomiting
Meanwhile, Spirillum triggers ulcers, recurrent fever, and swelling, describing distinct symptoms associated with each bacterium.
So, you should not take it lightly if mice infest your home. You must call any nearby pest control professionals immediately.
