A significant rat disease is Hantavirus disease.
Understanding Hantavirus Disease
Hantavirus disease is caused by various strains of hantaviruses, which are found in wild rodents like mice and rats. These viruses can cause severe health problems in humans.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
- Hantaviruses in North America can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
- HPS is a severe lung disease.
- HPS can be fatal.
Transmission
Humans can contract hantavirus through:
- Inhaling air contaminated with hantavirus from rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.
- Direct contact with rodents or their droppings/urine.
Symptoms and Prevention
Symptoms of hantavirus can include fever, muscle aches, and respiratory distress. Prevention involves controlling rodent populations and taking precautions when cleaning areas with potential rodent contamination.
