In the intricate web of urban and rural ecosystems, rats have carved out a notorious niche. These creatures are often vilified for their role as pests, capable of inflicting structural damage. They also pose significant health risks due to the diseases they can carry. Understanding the nature of rats and the real versus perceived dangers they present, particularly concerning rabies, is essential for effective prevention and response. In this article, learn more about rabies, why it is harmful, answer the question of can rats carry rabies, and more about diseases rats carry.
More About Rats and Rabies
Rats are a type of rodent characterized by their robust bodies, scaly tails, and reputation for being both wily survivors and unwelcome invaders. The most commonly encountered species in human habitations are the black rat and the brown rat.
These rodents are distinguished by their remarkable adaptability to various environments. They have a need to chew, which is attributed to their continuously growing incisors that must be kept in check to avoid overgrowth.
Rabies is an acute viral infection that targets the central nervous system. It can lead to brain inflammation and a host of severe neurological symptoms. The disease is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites.
Rabies is particularly harmful because once its symptoms manifest, the disease is virtually 100% fatal. This stark reality underscores the importance of vaccination and immediate treatment following potential exposure.
Can Rats Carry Rabies?
The association between rats and rabies is largely overstated. While these rodents can contract rabies, instances are exceedingly rare. The small size of rats makes them more likely to succumb to the virus before having the opportunity to spread it further. Consequently, the risk of rabies transmission from rats to humans is minimal.
What Do Rats Carry?
Despite the low risk of rabies, rats are reservoirs for other infectious agents. Diseases such as leptospirosis, which can cause severe kidney and liver damage is one to worry about. Also, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a respiratory disease with potentially fatal outcomes is another one. Transmission can occur through direct contact with contaminated rat urine or feces, or indirectly through vectors like fleas and ticks that have fed on an infected rat.
Signs and Symptoms of a Rat Bite
A rat bite typically results in a clear puncture wound or laceration. Following a bite, one may notice immediate signs such as localized redness, swelling, and pain. Secondary symptoms, including fever and general malaise, could indicate an infection necessitating medical attention.
What to Do If Bitten By a Rat?
The good thing is that rats don’t carry rabies, however, prompt action is critical after sustaining a rat bite. Thoroughly washing the wound with soap and water minimizes the risk of infection. Applying an antiseptic helps to disinfect the area. It is imperative to seek professional medical evaluation to determine whether additional treatments, such as antibiotics or a tetanus booster, are required.
Statistics on Rabies Bites
Rabies bite results in tens of thousands of deaths worldwide annually. This is primarily due to a lack of access to vaccination and post-exposure treatment. Globally, rabies causes around 59,000 human deaths annually, with over 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia. In terms of rat-transmitted diseases, specific statistics vary. However, it’s known that a significant percentage of wild rats carry pathogens that can lead to illnesses in humans and pets.
Animals That Carry Rabies
While rats are not typical carriers, several other animals are well-known carriers of rabies. Wild carnivores like foxes, skunks, raccoons, and bats are common reservoirs of the virus. Domestic animals, particularly unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets, can transmit rabies to humans.
Signs of Rabies and What to Do
An animal infected with rabies may display drastic behavioral changes, ranging from unprovoked aggression to unusual tameness. Physical signs include drooling, foaming at the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and eventual paralysis. If you encounter an animal exhibiting these symptoms, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance. You will want to avoid interaction with the animal and immediately contact local animal control authorities for assistance.
What If You Are Bitten By An Animal That Carries Rabies?
Being bitten by an animal suspected of carrying rabies requires urgent care. The wound should be washed extensively with soap and water to reduce the viral load. Additionally, medical help should be sought without delay to evaluate the need for post-exposure prophylaxis—a series of vaccinations that can prevent the development of rabies after exposure.
More Important Information to Know About Rats
Now that you know that rats don’t usually carry rabies, let’s look at other important information to know about rats. One of those is rodents chewing wires. It is frustrating when we notice this has happened in the home. Rodents do this to keep their teeth from overgrowing. However, it also means more money for the homeowner to spend to replace the wires. When you see this, it is a good idea to reach out to a pest control company to take care of the rat issue.
Another is what a roof rat looks like. It is important to know if you see it in the yard or the house. A roof rat has a long and thin body, large ears and eyes, a tail, and a pointed nose. If you see one of these, contact a pest control professional to help you see if there is more than just one.
Lastly, there are various smells that rats hate. These are citronella, ammonia, peppermint, and clove oil to name a few. Also, there are multiple things you can do with these scents to keep the rodents away.
When to Call a Professional
Professional intervention is warranted when one has experienced a rat bite, especially under suspicious circumstances such as an unusually aggressive or sick-looking rat. Any bite from a wild or domestic animal known to carry rabies, or witnessing an animal displaying signs of the disease, should prompt immediate professional consultation.
Check out the video below about rabies, its signs and symptoms, and how to treat it.
Conclusion
Rats, while not common carriers of rabies, are linked to other significant health concerns. Awareness and education about the risks associated with rat bites, as well as understanding the proper steps to take following potential exposure to rabies, are vital. Caution and proactive measures are key to managing the risks associated with these rodents and ensuring public health safety in the face of potential zoonotic threats. Reach out to AAA Pest Control to get rats and other pest issues under control in Oakland Park, FL, and the surrounding South Florida areas.