Rat disease symptoms in humans

Rats may carry different diseases and parasites. Rats have been found to carry both non-zoonotic and zoonotic parasites.

Rodent diseases can infect humans through rodent excretes like saliva, feces and urine or by humans inhaling or handling the microorganism particles from the materials, woodpiles and hay where rats were. They can also be transmitted through bites and scratches.

Salmonellosis can affect pets and humans. The infection may take place through consuming water or food that has been contaminated by the feces of rats.

The following symptoms can take place starting from 12 up to 72 hours after the infection:

- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea

Leptospirosis is caught when someone eats food contaminated by infected rats. The symptoms take between 7 and 14 days, and they include mild or severe symptoms like:

- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Redness of eyes
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Headaches

At least 10 cases of leptospirosis have led to a serious disease known as Weil’s disease. It can lead to death, internal bleeding and organ failure. Its symptoms are:

- Coughing up blood
- Symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis like seizures, vomiting and headaches
- Chest pain
- Swollen ankles, hands and feet
- Jaundice

Rat bite fever can be transmitted through the scratches and bites of an infected rat. The infections are found in secretions, urine, and rat feces. The symptoms of rat bite fever will depend on the bacteria behind the infection.

For streptobacillus, the symptoms will take place within 3-10 days, and the symptoms of the infection are:

- Rash
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Fever

For spirillum, the symptoms will start between 7 to 21 days after the infection, and they may include:

- Swelling on the wound
- Rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Repeated fever

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