Rat Droppings: A Potential Risk During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, also commonly called Hantavirus or HPS for short, is a rare disease carried by rodents. Not all rodents carry HPS, but because there is no way of knowing which ones do and which ones do not, it is best to avoid handling rats, their nests that can be located underground and called rat burrow, or areas they soil with their droppings and urine. Call us for immediate pest control Toronto services and if you need to disinfection services. 

If you are infected with Hantavirus, you will usually experience symptoms within one to five weeks. The first symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. As time goes by, people often report additional symptoms, including:         

Headaches Difficulty breathing Dizziness Stomach pain Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting Chills

Unfortunately, many of the symptoms associated with Hantavirus mimic flu symptoms. If you know that you have a rat infestation in your home, you will want to visit your doctor as soon as you experience symptoms. A doctor can confirm if Hantavirus is the cause of your illness.

Currently, there is no specific vaccine to protect against Hantavirus. Also, there is no specialized treatment. Instead, affected individuals should visit with their doctor as soon as possible. Many people often find themselves hospitalized during the respiratory distress phase. You will likely remain on oxygen until you heal and your symptoms pass.

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is yet another disease that can affect humans that come into contact with rat feces. People contract the disease via fecal to oral transmission. In other words, rat feces can contaminate food and drinks within your home. If you eat or drink contaminated items, it can lead to salmonellosis. Common symptoms include:

    •       Anorexia

    •       Lethargy

    •       Hunched over posture

    •       Diarrhea

    •       Spleen enlargement

    •       Lesions on the small intestine

    •       Enlarged lymph nodes

Although anyone is at risk of contracting the disease, children and adults with a compromised immune system face a greater risk of disease severity. Make sure you visit your doctor or your local emergency room as soon as symptoms arise.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As very less is known about the current propagation of the coronavirus every measure needs to be taken and be taken care of immediately. Rats however not yet, confirmed might be a carrier of the disease as the coronavirus is thought to have originated from the wet markets of China. Since the virus is zoonotic in nature and transferred from animal to human. Contacting your exterminator is necessary. Our procedure is safe which does not require a leave from home.