A few weeks ago, Tufts University in Boston came out with an article mentioning a study going over the dangers of rats in urban areas, such as Seattle. The study presented some concerning findings. Here are just some snippets from the full article:
Rats are the most well-established source of leptospirosis infection in humans. But not all cases get diagnosed or reported. Some people may get infected, not develop any symptoms, and never know they were infected. Others might develop a mild fever or other nonspecific symptoms before their immune system clears the infection. However, a small percentage of people will go on to develop a more serious case of the disease, which can affect different organs and, ultimately, cause multi-organ failure and death.
Full article here — Urban Rats Spread Deadly Bacteria as They Migrate, Study Finds | Tufts Now
They found that a rat in Boston would have to travel over 600 meters, or just over a 1/3 of a mile, to encounter another genetic population of rats. They also found evidence that large, multi-lane roads disrupted all connectivity between populations of rats on either side of the road, and that rats used greenways and biological corridors for travel and intermingling. Construction is another well-known disruptor of rat burrows that forces rats to look for other places to persist, which can increase the spread of the bacteria.
This recent article from MSN.com goes into concerns about diseases from rats affecting humans during rainy seasons:
With the arrival of the monsoon season comes a respite from heat, but not without an increased risk of some infections. While a surge in vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya is common during this time of the year, leptospirosis also poses health risks, especially during the rainy season, and shouldn’t be ignored, according to health experts.
As monsoon season begins, doctors highlight why leptospirosis can be harmful
If you need any help with rat control in your home or commercial property in our service areas then you are welcome to contact us.
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